For the past three decades, South African politics have been defined by the African National Congress. But with initial forecasts from the May 29 vote showing a marked decline in support for the ruling party, change looks likely. So what do the various potential outcomes mean for South Africa’s growth and debt outlook? For investor interest in the country? Bloomberg Opinion columnist Adrian Wooldridge and Senior Executive Editor Jacqueline Simmons review the landscape with Bloomberg economist Yvonne Mhango.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coming July 4 general election in the UK is a good thing, according to executives in the City of London. With Labour currently predicted to trounce the embattled Tories, some contend the vote is a chance for stability after a turbulent few years under Conservative leadership. But first comes the campaign—what policy pronouncements are financial industry leaders hoping to hear from Labour candidates? Bloomberg editor Katherine Griffiths joins this week’s In the City to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bad actors using machine-learning, generative artificial intelligence and the power of digital networks are seeding ever-more distrust in democracy, warns Audrey Tang, former digital affairs minister for Taiwan. Tang joins this week’s episode of Voternomics to discuss the risk of foreign interference in the many elections happening around the world, as well as lessons learned while combating efforts to distort the political debate in Taiwan. Plus, Bloomberg political correspondent Nancy Cook discusses the latest Bloomberg News/Morning Consult polling which reveals the unease voters feel around the US election—from misinformation to political violence and foreign interference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special edition of Voternomics, we discuss the possible reasoning behind the Conservative’s decision to gamble on an earlier-than-expected vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s In the City, we discuss the immediate questions around replacing Ebrahim Raisi and how that may affect Iran’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. Bloomberg regional news director Rosalind Mathieson joins hosts David Merritt, Francine Lacqua and Allegra Stratton to discuss these thorny issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Munich Security Conference Chair Wolfgang Ischinger discusses the need for Europe to unite around its defense. They also talk about German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's low popularity and the potential gains of the far-right AfD party in the European parliament. The conversation delves into challenges in Germany, the UK post-Brexit, and the rise of right-wing parties in Europe.

David Merritt speaks with senior editor Tom Metcalf and Bloomberg Opinion columnist Paul J. Davies about the consequences of changing the financial crisis-era policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Page, chief executive of market research company Ipsos, joins Voternomics this week to outline what he’s discovered about voters and what they think about their politicians, governments and economies. He tells Stephanie Flanders and Allegra Stratton that trust in politics is the “lowest we’ve ever measured.” Also on this episode, Flanders, Stratton and Adrian Wooldridge ask Bloomberg Opinion columnist John Authers whether—given the question of when the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates between now and the election—the central bank can remain above the political fray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nobel laureate and economics professor Joseph Stiglitz joins Francine Lacqua, Allegra Stratton and Adrian Wooldridge to explain why he feels the political right has warped the true meaning of freedom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Ward, J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s chief market strategist for EMEA, joins this week to explain why politicians are being punished for the sins of central banks. Ward, a former Bank of England economist and adviser to both UK Chancellors Philip Hammond and Jeremy Hunt, tells Stephanie Flanders, Allegra Stratton and Adrian Wooldridge about the damage done as a result of missteps when it comes to inflation. Plus, Bloomberg News editor Craig Trudell unpacks how Elon Musk is driving on both sides of the US-China relationship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.