Michel Barnier, the EU's former Brexit negotiator, is now France's Prime Minister, promising to respect all political forces during challenging times. Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is making waves with a major cabinet reshuffle, aiming to inject new energy into his wartime government. The conversation also dives into the unexpected rise of defense stocks among European ESG funds, reflecting changing attitudes towards ethical investments amidst escalating global tensions.
Michel Barnier's appointment as France's new Prime Minister aims to stabilize a government amid pressing economic challenges and a fragmented parliament.
The reshuffling of Ukraine's cabinet is a strategic move to rejuvenate government efficiency during ongoing conflict, despite potential consolidation of presidential power.
Deep dives
French Political Reshuffle
President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister of France, aiming to end a political stalemate following the recent elections. This decision reflects Macron's strategic gamble after his centrist coalition lost seats, leading to a situation where no faction holds a majority. Barnier, known for his role as the Brexit negotiator, now faces pressing challenges as France's economy struggles and budget negotiations are on the horizon. His appointment comes after a tumultuous week in French politics, marking a crucial step in stabilizing the government.
Ukraine's Cabinet Overhaul
Ukraine's parliament has approved a significant reshuffle of its cabinet, marking a drastic change as the country continues to navigate the ongoing conflict with Russia. This transition involves nine ministers and is seen as an attempt to rejuvenate a government perceived as stagnant amid the war's challenges. Key figures, including deputy prime minister Auguste Stefaniechina, have been reassigned to expand their roles, reflecting a strategy to bolster government efficiency and responsiveness. However, critics argue that this reshuffling may also serve to consolidate President Zelensky's power within the administration.
Shifts in ESG Investment Landscape
The impact of the Ukraine conflict is reshaping the realm of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, leading to increased investments in defense stocks by sustainable funds in Europe. Currently, about a third of these funds have some exposure to military contractors, a significant shift fueled by rising global defense spending. While some investors regard these stocks as supporting national security, others express concerns about the inherent contradictions of labeling defense stocks as ESG-friendly. As the meaning of ESG evolves, there is growing apprehension that it may dilute its original intent if it attempts to encompass a broader array of sectors, including those associated with conflict.
President Emmanuel Macron has named the EU’s former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as France’s next prime minister. Plus, Europe’s sustainable investment funds double down on defence stocks, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy carries out his biggest wartime cabinet reshuffle yet.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Saffeya Ahmed, Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.