Latest news with #Holos
DW
3 days ago
- Politics
- DW
All change or small change? Ukrainian government reshuffle – DW – 07/17/2025
A day after the Ukrainian prime minister stepped down, he was appointed defense minister. His deputy Yulia Svyrydenko, who played a part in closing a minerals deal with the US, is Ukraine's new prime minister Rumors of a government reshuffle had been circulating in Ukraine for the past three years and now they have become reality. On Thursday, the Ukrainian parliament approved the nomination of Yulia Svyrydenko as prime minister. Svyrydenko is a former economy minister who was already deputy prime minister. On Wednesday, parliament had also approved the resignation of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. As a result, the cabinet was automatically dissolved. Shmyhal had been in office for more than five years — longer than any other Ukrainian prime minister before him. Svyrydenko, 39, had gained prominence during weeks of talks with the US about a minerals deal that was signed in Washington at the end of April. She had proven herself to be a tough negotiator. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was necessary to rearrange the executive branch in Ukraine to implement agreements reached with international partners. Under Ukrainian law, elections cannot be held while martial law is in place. Article 10 of the rules on martial law states that while it is in force, "the authority of the Supreme Council of Ukraine […], ministries, other central and local executive agencies, […] may not be terminated." Representatives of the opposition expressed their doubts about the legitimacy of the government reshuffle. "Parliament recently extended martial law and could now violate Article 10, even though everyone agrees that the legislation would first have to be clarified or amended," explained Yaroslav Zheleznyak from the opposition Holos ("Voice") faction. Zelenskyy was also criticized for offering Svyrydenko the post of prime minister in public and thus violating the existing order, whereby a head of government can only be appointed by the president on the parliament's recommendation, which in turn must be preceded by a proposal by the governing coalition. Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party currently has a majority in parliament. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ahead of the vote on Thursday, Oleg Saakyan, a political scientist and co-founder of the National Platform for Resilience and Social Cohesion, predicted parliament would approve the nomination of a new prime minister for reasons of political expediency. The reshuffle was long overdue and had actually been planned for 2024. The main reasons for this were the ongoing tensions within the government and "a number of obvious management problems" in various areas, from the defense sector to infrastructure and social policy. "The government wants to defuse some of these tensions publicly. It wants to gain some new credibility," Saakyan argued. However, Volodymyr Fesenko, a political scientist and head of Penta, a political think tank in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, doubted that the change of prime minister would trigger any major domestic changes. "The key political decisions will continue to be made by the president's office and Svyrydenko will implement them, as will the government," he suggested. Svyrydenko, who once served as the deputy head of the office of the president of Ukraine under Andriy Yermak, is a Zelenskyy confidante and considered to be a young and dynamic politician who can potentially bring new approaches to the table. Fesenko pointed out that she had the necessary "experience working in war conditions and dealing with international institutions." Petro Oleshchuk, a political scientist at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, told DW that despite a number of high-level corruption scandals, Zelenskyy wanted to demonstrate confidence in his team by reshuffling rather than changing ministers completely. "Shmyhal's transfer to another position within the government is intended to show that there is no internal conflict. These are merely personnel changes within a team,' Oleshchuk said. Saakyan thinks that the fact that the government reshuffle had not been extensive was actually a sign that there was an acute shortage of qualified and trustworthy candidates. He said that the new government would be forced to deliver quick results but remained skeptical about the future. "This is an adrenaline shot for the current government. But its quality will not change fundamentally," he predicted. Zelenskyy has already outlined the new government's key priorities, which include increasing domestic arms production, developing defense projects and deregulating the economy.
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Who is Yulia Svyrydenko? Ukraine's new PM appointed by Zelensky to lead wartime economic revival
Ukraine's parliament on Thursday (July 17) approved Yulia Svyrydenko, 39, as the country's new prime minister — the first change at the helm of government in five years — as part of a sweeping cabinet overhaul aimed at revitalising wartime governance. The move comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky looks to energise Ukraine's military-industrial efforts and tackle a ballooning budget deficit amid a faltering outlook for peace with Russia. Zelensky laid out key goals for the new administration, including ramping up domestic weapons production to cover 50% of Ukraine's battlefield needs within six months, up from the current 40%. 'We must ensure a reliable supply for the army and increase the technological strength of our defense forces,' he said. Zelensky also emphasised deregulation and deepening economic ties with allies as central to the government's agenda. A seasoned technocrat and former first deputy prime minister, Svyrydenko vowed swift action in her new role. 'War leaves no room for delay,' she wrote on X. 'Our priorities for the first six months are clear: reliable supply for the army, expansion of domestic weapons production, and boosting the technological strength of our defense forces.' Svyrydenko is no stranger to international diplomacy, having earlier brokered a deal granting the US preferential access to Ukraine's mineral resources— a move that helped strengthen ties with the Trump administration. Zelensky noted that more US deals are in the pipeline, though he offered no details during Thursday's session. Parliament is expected to confirm outgoing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as Ukraine's new defence minister, following Zelensky's nomination earlier this week. Svyrydenko takes charge as Russia intensifies both its ground offensive across a 1,000-km frontline and airstrikes on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine is banking on foreign investment in its defense sector to counter Russia's superior military firepower. The country also faces pressing fiscal issues, a $19 billion budget shortfall next year as foreign aid wanes. To address the deficit, Svyrydenko announced plans to launch a comprehensive audit of public finances aimed at achieving "real savings." Her agenda includes accelerating large-scale privatisations and offering greater support to local entrepreneurs. The reshuffle extends beyond the prime minister's office. Key ministries including economy, justice, energy, and European integration will also see new leaders, though most are not political outsiders. Some lawmakers raised concerns over the independence of the new cabinet, suggesting it could remain under tight control from the president's office. 'They will be told by the president's office what they should really do,' said Yaroslav Zheleznyak of the opposition Holos party. Despite such concerns, Svyrydenko secured 262 votes in the 450-member parliament — a strong mandate, according to lawmakers present in the chamber.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Howden buys 68.3% stake in Japanese insurance broker Holos Holdings
Howden has acquired a 68.3% stake in Holos Holdings, a retail insurance broker headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. The move is a continuation of Howden's expansion in the Japanese market, which began with its establishment in the country in 2024. Holos Holdings, founded in 2001 by Kei Horii, a former Sony Life Insurance executive, has grown to employ more than 400 individuals across its 20 locations throughout Japan. Holos Holdings CEO Kei Horii said: 'For the past 25 years, Holos has grown its business with the strong support of our employees and clients. 'By combining Holos' deep experience in the life insurance sector with Howden's global resources and advanced expertise in the corporate general insurance field, we aim to grow into a trusted and valued insurance group, even more loved by our clients.' Howden Japan now employs more than 450 staff members. The move is aimed at broadening the service offerings, covering both life and non-life insurance segments for private individuals, SMEs and larger corporations. Howden CEO David Howden stated: 'Holos has incredible know-how and like us they have a rich history in the market. And joining forces now gives us strength-in-depth across Japan, enabling us to provide individuals, SMEs, corporates, and insurers with a full suite of services from reinsurance to retail. 'This is a transformational move for us, and it shows that our commitment to this dynamic market is truly for the long-term.' The transaction with Holos Holdings follows a series of initiatives undertaken by Howden Japan in 2024, including the establishment of Howden Re Japan, a partnership with Keystone ILS Capital, and the acquisition of the Foresight Group, which marked Howden's entry into the Japanese retail insurance market. "Howden buys 68.3% stake in Japanese insurance broker Holos Holdings " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Irish Independent
25-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wexford skincare company sweeps 14 accolades in global beauty awards
The Green Beauty Awards exist to spotlight the products, people, and brands setting new standards in sustainable beauty. Their goal isn't just to reward what's popular, but to highlight what's truly progressive. From packaging that reduces waste to ingredients backed by science and integrity, winning entries reflect the direction the beauty industry is heading—thoughtful, transparent, and accountable. The awards are judged by a dedicated panel of independent experts from across the beauty industry. This includes professionals with backgrounds in formulation, beauty journalism, skincare education, and sustainability. A representative explained what the judges are looking for: 'judging is based on more than just first impressions. We look at the quality and efficacy of each product, as well as how well the brand aligns with the green values of the category they've entered. This includes factors like ingredient sourcing, packaging choices, ethical manufacturing, and overall environmental impact.' "This is our sixth 'green' awards and it has been truly quite astonishing. We had an incredible 700 plus product entries of a variety of green, clean and eco beauty products. The awards celebrates the beauty industry's move towards making their products, packaging and sourcing more kind to the planet and indeed to our skin,' they added. As such, they have seen a huge shift in brands looking at their packaging and what they house the products in. Many have revisited their approach to plastic - some are looking at plastic neutral, others at recycled plastic, bio plastic, plastic that can be recycled after use, and others looking at refills for their containers. Holos was very successful in the 2025 competition, taking home 14 awards overall for a range of popular products. They took home the award for Best Vegan Face Oil, Best Vegan Hand Product, Best Aluminium Packaging, Best Vegan Beauty Product, Best 100 per cent Plant Based Beauty Product, Best Argan Product, and Best Shea Butter Product among many more. The Enniscorthy-based brand was founded in 2013, arising from Niamh Hogan's passion for botanical skincare, and her work as an holistic therapist. Just ten years since the first Holos collection, the business is achieving annual global sales of over €1M. Speaking on the win, Niamh said: 'It means the world to see our products recognised with these incredible awards. A massive thank you to our amazing community.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Architect of Yanukovych's corrupt system' — Who was Andriy Portnov, a Ukrainian ex-official killed in Spain
Andriy Portnov had been no stranger to controversy. He was the architect of Ukraine's judiciary, corrupt and unreformed, and had been known to attack everyone who dared to speak out. Portnov was the epitome of a Kremlin-friendly Ukraine of President Viktor Yanukovych, where fair trial was a luxury and civil liberties were a dream. "It doesn't matter to us whether he was a useful idiot or a paid agent," Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, a lawmaker from the liberal Holos party, told the Kyiv Independent. "But he undoubtedly acted in Russia's interests." "He was an architect of Yanukovych's corrupt system and personally influenced the appointment of judges," Mykhailo Zhernakov, head of judicial watchdog Dejure, told the Kyiv Independent. His life ended in a way that symbolized that long-gone system — killed without a trial. Until his last days, Portnov was reportedly wielding immense influence on the judiciary and interfering with the courts despite being absent from Ukraine for years. Portnov has denied the accusations of acting in the Kremlin's interests and illegally interfering in the judiciary, suing news outlets that dared to make that statement. Fighting with journalists, businessmen, politicians, and everyone else, the list of Portnov's enemies was immense. As such, the case in itself will be a complicated endeavor, as finding the perpetrators would be an uneasy task. Read also: Controversial Ukrainian ex-official Portnov shot dead in Madrid, source says Portnov, born in now-occupied Luhansk in 1973, had a law degree from the city's East Ukrainian National University. In the 1990s and 2000s, he worked as a private lawyer and an official at the State Securities and Stock Market Commission. From 2005 to 2010, Portnov was an ally of then-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and a lawmaker representing her party in parliament. After Tymoshenko lost the 2010 presidential election to Yanukovych, Portnov switched to the latter and became his deputy chief of staff responsible for the judiciary. Tymoshenko, Yanukovych's main political opponent, was jailed in a politically motivated case at the same time as Portnov ran the judicial system in Yanykovych's interests. Portnov also led the development of Ukraine's Criminal Procedure Code, which was adopted in 2012 and was later criticized for creating obstacles for a fair trial and obstructing the investigation of corruption. Yurchyshyn said that, under Yanukovych, Portnov spearheaded the subordination of the judiciary to the presidential administration. The Ukrainian judiciary's current problems and challenges partially stem from Portnov's activities, he added. In 2019, a judiciary source told journalists that would later found the Kyiv Independent that Portnov and Andriy Bohdan, who would later become President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, had pressured Petro Stetsyuk, a judge of the Constitutional Court, to issue a ruling to help Yanukovych monopolize power. In 2010, a Constitutional Court ruling allowed lawmakers to switch parties, allowing dozens of lawmakers to leave Tymoshenko's party and join that of Yanukovych. Soon, the parliament was under Yanukovych's full control. Bohdan did not respond to requests for comment. After Yanukovych was ousted by the EuroMaidan Revolution in 2014, Portnov left Ukraine and moved to Vienna. He also bought real estate in Moscow and its vicinity, according to the Schemes investigative journalism project. Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office charged Portnov with embezzlement and abuse of power in 2014, but the case was later closed. In 2018, the Security Service of Ukraine also opened a treason case against Portnov over his alleged participation in Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. However, he was not officially charged, and the case was closed in 2019. Portnov was also sanctioned by the EU along with other top Yanukovych associates in 2014 but the sanctions were lifted in 2016 due to a lack of evidence in the criminal cases against him. He kept his influence in Ukraine even after the EuroMaidan Revolution and owned the pro-Russian TV channel NewsOne in 2018. Read also: Ukraine's tainted judges get a helping hand from law enforcement to stay in office After Zelensky was elected president in 2019, Portnov returned to Ukraine and reportedly increased his influence on the political system and law enforcement. Bohdan, who was Zelensky's chief of staff from 2019 to 2020, said then that he had been friends with Portnov for many years. He had also been an aide to Portnov from 2007 to 2009. Another Portnov associate, Oleh Tatarov, was appointed Zelensky's deputy chief of staff in charge of law enforcement in 2020. Tatarov had defended Portnov's interests as a lawyer after the EuroMaidan Revolution. Tatarov also gained notoriety after being charged with bribery in 2020, although the case against him was dropped by law enforcement and closed the following year. For anti-corruption activists, he has become a symbol of Zelensky's tolerance for graft. Under Zelensky, Portnov initiated several criminal cases against ex-President Petro Poroshenko, Zelensky's main political opponent. Portnov also maintained links with Ukraine's most controversial judge, Pavlo Vovk. Vovk has become a symbol of lawlessness and corruption in Ukraine. He has been charged in several cases for alleged obstruction of justice and corruption, sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022 and eventually fired in 2025. In 2019, Portnov, Bohdan, and Vovk allegedly discussed appointing Oleksandr Tupytsky as chairman of the Constitutional Court, according to audio recordings cited by news outlets Slidstvo, Censor, and the Kyiv Post at the time. Tupytsky became the court's head the same year, and under his leadership, the Constitutional Court undermined several anti-corruption reforms, including by destroying the online asset declaration system for top officials. Tupytsky was fired and charged in several criminal cases in 2021. He fled Ukraine and moved to Vienna in 2022. Yurchyshyn argued that, through Tupytsky's court, Portnov undermined Ukrainian reforms in the interests of Russia since they jeopardized the country's European integration. Both Portnov and Tupytsky were sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019. The U.S. Treasury Department said that "in mid-2019, Portnov colluded with a high-ranking Ukrainian government official to shape the country's higher legal institutions to their advantage and influence Ukraine's Constitutional Court." The department also said that Portnov "took steps to control the Ukrainian judiciary, influence associated legislation, sought to place loyal officials in senior judiciary positions, and purchase court decisions" in 2019. Portnov and Vovk also influenced the appointment of Bohdan Monich as head of Ukraine's Council of Judges, a self-regulation body, in 2019, according to audio recordings cited by Slidstvo. Monich did not respond to a request for comment. The Council of Judges regulates the daily work of the country's judiciary, the control of which allegedly gave Portnov once again vast powers over the country's unreformed court system. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Portnov left Ukraine in June 2022, according to the Schemes news outlet. While abroad, Portnov has been eager to whitewash his reputation, tainted in Ukraine. He routinely filed libel lawsuits against independent media that criticized him, reportedly using his influence over the judiciary to win cases. One of the lawsuits was filed against several media outlets and Olga Rudenko, the chief editor of the Kyiv Independent, over an article in which he was referenced as being "pro-Russian." The lawsuit concerned a story by Glib Kanievskyi, then a Ukrainian journalist and currently a defense ministry official, published in several news outlets, including the Kyiv Independent, in September 2023. A Kyiv court ruled in Portnov's favor in September 2024. In a separate case, Portnov published the detailed information about journalists investigating him, including a car license and a home address adding that the journalists should be 'careful' driving at night. "It was systematic work aimed at hampering the functioning of independent media," Yurchyshyn said. Read also: Ukraine's judicial reform relaunch shows mixed results so far Portnov, whose location wasn't known to the wider public, was shot dead by unidentified attackers outside the American School in Madrid on May 21. The shooting took place at around 9:15 a.m. local time, with Portnov being shot at five times and suffering at least three wounds to his head and torso, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported, citing undisclosed police sources. The shot to the head proved fatal, the outlet wrote. Two or three people are believed to be involved in the attack, though no arrests have been made so far. The newspaper's sources suggested debt issues as a possible motive. Criminal proceedings are underway. Read also: Ukraine imposes sanctions on petty pro-Russian politicians, yet ignores most high-profile ones We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
