FT News Briefing

Far-right parties are experiencing significant gains in the European Parliament, reflecting a shift in voter sentiment influenced by economic concerns. In Israel, opposition leader Benny Gantz has stepped down from the emergency government amidst political turmoil. Investors are increasingly turning away from sustainability-focused funds, leading to a staggering $40 billion withdrawal this year. Meanwhile, Iran is disqualifying moderates from the presidential race, raising concerns about the country's political landscape.

In a riveting discussion, Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has observed the political landscapes in the U.S. and Europe, joins Martin Wolf to dissect democracy's precarious state. They delve into Poland's recent elections as a beacon of hope against populism and analyze the far-reaching consequences if Donald Trump secures a second term. The conversation explores political bias, citizen engagement, and the fragile future of liberal democracy, underscoring the global implications of America's political shifts.

Silicon Valley's elite is making a surprising turn, rallying behind Donald Trump with multimillion-dollar fundraisers. The hosts dissect this political shift, revealing how key figures are moving away from Biden and the implications for free speech and regulations. There's a fascinating contrast between the tech giants' support for Trump and the sector's traditional liberal stance. The conversation even weaves in a lighthearted discussion about pandas, highlighting the complex relationship between politics and personal sentiment in the tech world.

The European Central Bank has made a significant move by cutting interest rates for the first time in five years, signaling a response to a sluggish economy. There's also exciting news as Ukraine prepares for EU membership talks. Meanwhile, optimism is rising for the London Stock Exchange, with notable initial public offerings on the horizon. The discussion paints a picture of cautious monetary adjustments amidst economic uncertainties and potential market recovery.

Nvidia's market value soared past $3 trillion, making waves in the tech industry. Meanwhile, South Africa's ANC Party grapples with coalition strategies after disappointing election results, considering potential partnerships with rivals. In the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces criticism from Keir Starmer over alleged misinformation about tax claims. Additionally, a US appeals court has overturned new securities regulations aimed at enhancing transparency for private equity and hedge funds, stirring debate in financial circles.

Russia's Gazprom faces a long road to recovery in gas sales due to the Ukraine conflict. India’s Prime Minister Modi is poised for a historic third term, but with a weakened majority. Meanwhile, the U.S. labor market shows signs of cooling, alleviating pressure on the Federal Reserve. OPEC+ faces challenges in maintaining oil prices, as it announces production cuts and plans gradual supply increases. The interplay of these political and economic factors shapes a volatile global landscape.

US immigration rules are tightening at the southern border, prompting debates on policy effectiveness. In India, the stock market is soaring ahead of an expected victory for Modi. Food delivery apps are facing a profit crisis with substantial losses as they adapt to shifting consumer habits post-pandemic. Meanwhile, a major scandal linked to the Qatar World Cup raises questions about corruption in the European Parliament, highlighting the urgent need for reform in light of upcoming elections.

Russia and China are stuck in negotiations over a gas pipeline, highlighting Moscow's dependency on Beijing. Meanwhile, far-right parties in Europe are connecting with younger voters. Tesla faces challenges as its shareholders struggle with voting rights. Internal strife at OpenAI led to significant leadership resignations, sparking debates on AI safety versus innovation. The tech world grapples with balancing rapid advancements and public trust, as companies form new committees to address these pressing issues.

Robert Kagan, a neoconservative scholar and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, engages in a compelling discussion about the global challenges facing democracy as crucial elections approach. He explores the rise of populist and far-right movements, their implications for democratic institutions, and the historical resilience of liberal values. Kagan also reflects on how a potential Trump victory could reshape U.S. democracy, touching on themes of polarization, loyalty in politics, and the looming threats of post-election violence.

Donald Trump faces unprecedented challenges with his recent felony conviction tied to a hush money case. Despite this, his Republican nomination seems secure, raising questions about public support during his reelection bid. The discussion dives into how legal verdicts can reshape the political landscape and influence voter perception. Additionally, there’s a light-hearted look at cultural differences between Americans and the Irish, sparked by an intriguing event in New York.