FRANCE: The inconsequential regional elections
With a record-low turnout of 32%, the first round of the regional and departmental elections on 20 June should not be considered a bellwether of next year’s presidential contest. The poor showing of President Emmanuel Macron’s Republic on the Move (LREM) party and the worst-than-… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: Macron’s summit outcome not shifting the pandemic dial
The declaration issued at the end of the 18 May ‘Summit on the Financing of African Economies’ hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron offers little to write home about as far as African countries’ immediate pandemic management and debt problems are concerned. The most notewor… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
FRANCE: Race to break Macron-Le Pen duopoly unlikely to be solved before Q4
The recent announcement by former Labor Minister Xavier Bertrand that he would run in the 2022 presidential election has done little to clarify who will be the center-right’s main candidate. The upcoming regional elections to be held on 20 and 27 June are unlikely to solve the is… Become a member to read the […]
FRANCE: The Le Pen risk – Part II: Not-so-moderate policy
Following last week’s piece on Marine Le Pen’s electoral chances, this note covers the policy risks attached to a potential victory of the far-right politician. Although little is known about Le Pen’s policy platform, the National Rally (RN) leader has progressively soften… Become a member to read the rest of this article
FRANCE: The Le Pen risk – Part I: Electoral politics
With around a year to go to the 2022 presidential election, concerns are rising that Marine Le Pen might have a good shot at taking power. This piece provides a (very early) assessment of Le Pen’s electoral chances and other risks associated with next year’s vote. Ne… Become a member to read the rest […]
FRANCE: New government brings more of the same
The announcement of the members of the reshuffled government on 6 July did not produce any surprises on the economic front. Finance and Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has retained his post, and the changes to some of the key portfolios such as home affairs, labor, and the envir… Become a member to read […]
FRANCE: Macron (fully) in charge
As expected, President Emmanuel Macron has reshuffled his government following the 28 June local elections. The president’s decision to replace the popular Edouard Philippe with the little known center-right politician Jean Castex as prime minister suggests that Macron wants to b… Become a member to read the rest of this article
FRANCE: Macron’s ‘phase III’
President Emmanuel Macron is expected to reshuffle his government after the second round of the municipal elections taking place this Sunday, 28 June. It is unclear whether he will retain Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, whose popularity has received a boost due to his management… Become a member to read the rest of this article
FRANCE: A return to the new political normal
The reported creation of a new group of MPs in the National Assembly might lead President Emmanuel Macron to lose his parliamentary majority. In such a scenario, however, the government would still be able to get legislation passed with the support of the Democratic Movement (MoD… Become a member to read the rest of […]