Latest editorial
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron stand in the voting booth before voting in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, northern France, June 30, 2024
THE first round of France’s parliamentary elections got under way yesterday.
Polls were still open when thi story was published, but figures suggested turnout was sharply up on two years ago.
Most constituencies will go to run-offs in a week’s time, with many likely to see a second-round choice between Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and the Popular Front alliance of left-wing parties.
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
The desperate French president keeps running up the same political cul-de-sac. DENNIS BROE offers an explanation