Mathieu Favas

James Bennett, a visiting senior editor at The Economist, shares insights on the high-stakes meeting between Presidents Biden and Putin, highlighting the tense dynamics of their relationship amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. Mathieu Favas, a finance correspondent, dives into the evolving cryptocurrency landscape, exploring potential contenders that could rival Bitcoin's dominance. They also touch on France's unique 'viagé' property scheme, discussing its risks and ethical considerations in a changing market.

In this discussion, Mathieu Favas, a private equity expert at The Economist, unpacks the spectacular downfall of Abraaj, once a giant in the field. He reveals how financial misconduct and misappropriated funds led to the arrest of top executives and a sharp decline in investments across Africa and the Middle East. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Australian elections, highlighting voter discontent despite economic growth, and the whimsical tradition of the 'democracy sausage' as a uniquely engaging aspect of the voting process.

Join Mathieu Favas, Finance correspondent for The Economist, and Edward McBride, Asia editor with expertise in Australian politics, as they dissect the dramatic fall of Abraaj, once a top private-equity firm. They explore the implications of its downfall for markets and discuss the mysterious whistleblower tied to the case. Transitioning to Australia, they delve into the discontent among voters and the intriguing tradition of the 'democracy sausage,' highlighting its role in making elections more engaging amidst rising political dissatisfaction.