Hello and welcome to the Intelligence from the Economist.

Today from London, I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

In Russia, the ever stronger arm of the state is trying to reach into the country's cultural

spaces.

Lots of citizens have been won over to the party line, but a closer look at the arts

reveals that the Kremlin's control isn't as complete as it would like.

And today the autobiography of jazz pianist Brad Meldau is out, covering a career that's

been as broad as it has long.

Our correspondent lays out why he thinks Mr. Meldau is one of the most thoughtful and

inquisitive spirits in jazz.

First up though.

Today Britain's finance minister Jeremy Hunt will lay out the country's annual budget.

It's the first since the disastrous mini budget that spelled the beginning of the end for

former prime minister Liz Truss.

Mr. Hunt has to start patching the holes in the British economy, while at least appearing

to extend a helping hand to an electorate suffering from a cost of living crisis.

It's just part of a broader balancing act of the governing Conservative Party under

Prime Minister Rishisunak, a Conservative party that's slumping in the polls.

That includes tackling the meat and potatoes issue of immigration, specifically hardline

legislation designed to stem the flow of small boats across the English Channel.

Mr. Sunex Agenda doesn't stop at Britain's borders.

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