FT News Briefing

How Microsoft beat the odds

Oct 17, 2023

10:23

Snipd AI

Poland's rightwing party likely losing power in election, US-led effort faltered to provide aid to Gaza Strip, Microsoft's success in acquiring Activision despite regulatory challenges, impact of Microsoft on policy discussions, clarification on previous statement about Israel's Gaza operation

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Quick takeaways

The change in leadership in Poland's parliamentary elections is likely to have implications for the country's relationship with the EU and its opposition to important EU legislation.

Microsoft's successful acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a result of their two-decade strategy focused on building trust with governments and being more willing to make changes to their business practices.

Deep dives

Change in Leadership After Poland's Parliamentary Elections

Poland's right-wing Law and Justice party is likely to be replaced after the parliamentary elections. The Civic Platform party, led by Donald Tusk, is expected to take power. This change in leadership will have implications for Poland's relationship with the EU, as the Law and Justice party had been instrumental in opposing important EU legislation and feuding with Brussels over issues like the rule of law.

Introduction

4min

New Parliament in Poland and Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

2min

Israel-Gaza Conflict and Microsoft's Strategic Success

2min

Microsoft's Impact on Policy Discussions and the Activision Deal

2min

Correction, Show Wrap-up, and Invitation to Tune in Tomorrow

2min

Poland’s rightwing party will likely be out of power after last weekend’s election, a US-led effort to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and provide an exit from the bombarded territory for foreign nationals faltered, and the FT’s Richard Waters explains how Microsoft beat the odds and got a major acquisition approved by regulators.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Polish exit polls give ex-PM Donald Tusk potential route back to power

Bid to open Gaza crossing falters

How Brad Smith used Microsoft’s $1bn law and lobbying machine to win Activision battle

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CLIP: The Guardian

The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Monica Lopez, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. 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.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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