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From Our Own Correspondent: Algeria and Portugal

14/05/2012

Algeria and Portugal

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, Algeria and Portugal

Pascale Harter with wit and insight from Chloe Arnold in Algiers and Mick Webb in Porto.

Pascale Harter presents insights from writers from around the world. Chloe Arnold finds some surprises (but few voters)at an Algiers polling station; Mick Webb spends a wet bank holiday in Portugal.

Pascale Harter introduces insights from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers from around the world. 

In this edition:

Where the winds of change don't ruffle a feather
The Arab Spring has so far seemed to have little impact in Algeria, although its people have just had a chance to vote in a new parliament. The country's authoritarian government has so far managed to avoid the popular protests-turned-conflict wracking other Arab states. But does that necessarily mean that Algerian voters are really happy with their rulers? 

Chloe Arnold has found tangible tension in Algiers, underlying a deep disillusionment with the political process.

Hanging on for better days
Portugal's economic pain has been almost blown off the news bulletins by the grief in Greece and the worry that contagion has already spread to Spain. Could it be because bitter fiscal medicine has already worked? Portugal seemed to commit to tough austerity measures a while ago, and from wage cuts to high unemployment, its people are feeling the pinch. The Portuguese government's even agreed to abolish some public holidays. But not quite all of them, as Mick Webb was grateful to find out.

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