Shaping Reputation and Policy in the Global South

Upcoming pivotal elections in Czechia (October 2025) and Hungary (April 2026) are creating significant business uncertainty across Central and Eastern Europe. In the Czech election, Andrej Babiš's populist ANO party is leading polls but faces a difficult path to forming a government, signaling potential gridlock. Meanwhile, the Hungarian election presents a novel challenge to Viktor Orbán's Fidesz from Péter Magyar's new Tisza party, though the incumbent retains structural advantages. For businesses, these political crossroads mean predictable policy delays, regulatory instability, and shifting EU relations, requiring flexible engagement and strategic planning for multiple outcomes.

Investing in healthcare and establishing universal access pathways is crucial for accelerating societal and economic growth, especially in resource-constrained environments. Examples from the Global South demonstrate that universal coverage reforms and essential benefits packages not only improve health equity but also accelerate and sustain economic growth long-term.

Thailand's government is in upheaval after the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leading to the appointment of Anutin Charnvirakul. This new leadership is based on a fragile, temporary agreement to dissolve Parliament within four months, stalling major legislation. For businesses, this means a period of significant uncertainty, as economic policy will be tactical and short-term rather than strategic.