The french are well known for their revolutionary spirit. The country's relationship with socialist and communist ideas has deep roots. But in the intervening years, the left has been left behind by voters. In the second instalment of our series, we ask how that will play out in france's coming presidential election.
The first round of the presidential election is on Sunday and our first-ever series has been following the race closely. This compendium of the first six dispatches looks at the candidates, their platforms and the sharply shifting political landscape in France.
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer