FT News Briefing Pressure builds for early elections in Israel
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Apr 5, 2024 Tensions rise in Israel as opposition leaders push for early elections amid massive public protests. The podcast highlights the shrinking equity supply globally, with firms favoring buybacks over issuing new shares. It also addresses Russia's cyber threats to European railways, illustrating geopolitical vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, a Moroccan fertilizer company is spotlighted for its role in enhancing agricultural productivity in Africa, aiming to boost the continent's capacity to meet global food demands.
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Shrinking Equity Supply
- Global equity supply is shrinking at its fastest pace in over 25 years.
- This is due to companies buying back shares faster than new ones enter the market.
Pressure for Early Elections in Israel
- Pressure mounts on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for early elections, even though they aren't scheduled until 2026.
- Benny Gantz, a prominent opposition figure, called for elections in September after the largest street protests against Netanyahu since the start of the war.
Potential Coalition Split
- Netanyahu's coalition is divided on issues like military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox students and the price of a hostage deal with Hamas.
- However, the coalition is incentivized to stay together, as polls suggest they would lose if elections were held today.