Counting the Cost

The trillion dollar man: Biden’s plan to revive the economy

We look at the new US president’s plans for post-pandemic recovery, and ask if the country can reset relationships with old friends.

The first major legislation for President Joe Biden, unsurprisingly, is getting the coronavirus pandemic under control with a massive injection of money. The headline number, $1.9 trillion, will go some way to provide an additional shot to the economy.

But what about his other plans to create jobs? During his campaign, tackling inequality and wealth disparities were top of the agenda. What can we learn from the selection of his economic team? We talk to William Barnard from Democrats Abroad.

Meanwhile, can the US reset relationships with old friends in Europe; and at what cost? We talk to Malta’s Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo.

Plus, in Nigeria, drought, desertification and terror attacks are threatening the livelihoods of 40 million people who depend on farming to survive.