Latest editorial
FRANCE’S EU membership and immigration dominated a televised debate between the country’s five presidential candidates on Monday night.
The call by fascist National Front (FN) leader Marine Le Pen for a referendum on withdrawal from the bloc came under attack by liberal independent Emmanuel Macron and conservative Republicans party candidate Francois Fillon.
Mr Fillon said a “Frexit” would “drag the country into social and economic chaos.”
While Italy’s communist tradition remains fragmented and politically marginal, France’s party is attempting to re-establish itself as an independent force rooted in working-class organisation, says NICK WRIGHT
While millions face poverty and public services are squeezed, France is committing billions to defence spending and weapons production, in a dangerous shift towards permanent preparation for war, says CONOR BOLLINS
