John Parker

Join Sophie Petre, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, and John Parker, international correspondent, as they tackle pressing issues in France and Russia. They discuss the explosive pension reform protests in France sparked by Macron's controversial retirement age increase. Petre offers insights into the widening political unrest, while Parker delves into Russia's demographic crisis, worsened by the war in Ukraine. The conversation touches on societal hesitations regarding childbirth and highlights the artistic legacy of the iconic mime, Marcel Marceau.

John Parker, an international correspondent at The Economist, offers keen insights into the legal ramifications of Vladimir Putin being labeled a war criminal. He discusses the complexities of achieving justice for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine while examining the political power dynamics that protect Putin. The conversation expands to the global food supply crisis driven by the war, especially affecting bread prices in the Middle East, leading to potential political unrest. Additionally, Parker critiques controversial public works projects in Mexico, highlighting their lack of transparency.