While immediate economic reforms are crucial in the current climate, any new captain also cannot avoid the social reforms required for long-term stability.
Sarko’s lack of fluency in English will probably stop him from joining the even better-paid world circuit of guest speakers, unlike Bill Clinton or Tony Blair.
The aftermath of the presidential election is also the prelude to a parliamentary vote whose outcome is crucial to Francois Hollande's leadership, says Patrice de Beer.
Europe's crisis is being felt at multiple levels, from the future of the eurozone and divisions between member-states to the rise of populist forces. But is the crisis likely to lead to the European Union's disintegration? The precedent of the Soviet collapse offers some lessons, says Ivan Krastev
The vote for Hollande is not so much a radical desire for change as a possibly illusory desire to go back to the pre-crisis period. The socialists have meanwhile opened up a new approach to the economy. But 'racism from above' has led the way in this historic fight over what is normal
A new socialist president brings the promise of change to France and Europe, says Patrice de Beer.
As the election campaign ends, the last instalment of Marlière Across La Manche foresees interesting but uncertain times for France and Europe.
Charles de Gaulle once said that the French presidential election was “an encounter between the nation and a man” (sic). Big Charles may have been right in suggesting that this election is about personality politics. There is much more to it though. Through this election diary, I invite you to fol
In today’s instalment of Marlière Across La Manche, our author witnesses a cornered rabbit and celebrates a man of 'quiet strength'.
Workers' rights on the campaign trail: today’s instalment of Marlière Across La Manche on the (mis)appropriation of May Day
Nicolas Lebourg continues (see part one) to explore how the Toulouse events contributed to shaping Marine Le Pen’s electoral strategy. While it is dubious that Islamophobia played the most decisive part in her latest presidential score, she placed it on the top of the political agenda for the seco
