Latest editorial
Demonstrators take part in a protest against the new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier and French President Emmanuel Macron, in Paris, France, September 21, 2024
THE French presidential palace unveiled a new government dominated by rightwingers and centrists at the weekend, more than two months after a left-wing coalition won the most seats in a parliamentary election but fell short of an overall majority.
President Emmanuel Macron named conservative Michel Barnier as prime minister earlier this month, even though the latter’s Republicans did badly in the elections.
Mr Macron’s refusal to allow the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance to try to form a minority administration has sparked continuing anger, with more nationwide protests taking place on Saturday.
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