Interview
Billions of voices heard: a year of elections
- Autocratic regimes accepting elections are predicted to face uncontrolled surprises in 2025.
- European elections in 2025 may trigger a messy realignment as centrist consensus fragments, specifically in Germany where the government faces collapse and key elections in February are expected to remove Olaf Scholz from power.
- France is forecast to remain in a state of chaos throughout 2025, unable to pass a budget after dismissing its prime minister for the first time since the 1960s.
- Poland's May 2025 presidential election is expected to test Donald Tusk's ability to rebuild institutions and enact legislation while inflation slows despite rising labor and energy costs.
- Canada is anticipated to undergo political change in 2025 as Prime Minister Trudeau faces significant trouble following his finance minister's resignation.
- Argentina's November 2025 election is expected to serve as a referendum on Javier Milei's program to reduce the size of the state.
- Approximately 12 million students are projected to graduate from Chinese higher education institutions in 2025.
- In 2025, a large number of Chinese graduates are expected to seek employment in smaller cities like Changsha and Nanjing, prompting businesses such as Starbucks and KFC to open new branches there more frequently than in major hubs.
- House prices in smaller Chinese cities are expected to rise gradually in 2025 but are unlikely to reach Beijing levels, while these areas will likely lack Beijing's strict political controls and nightlife restrictions.
- China's government expects greater public adherence to plans limiting the growth of largest cities and promoting smaller urban centers, with a focus in 2025 on the "low altitude economy" including delivery drones and flying taxis.
- In Poland, milk bars are increasingly expected to install digital kiosks and online pre-order systems to reduce overheads, a trend popular with younger customers who prefer avoiding cashiers.
- Prasoveta milk bar owner anticipates it will be impossible to operate without government subsidies, though many establishments may forego these subsidies in the future as the state reimburses only meatless dishes.
- Meat-free dishes are expected to become integral to the future of Poland's changing dining landscape alongside its growing vegetarian scene.