Economist Podcasts Stuck in the middle with few: Macron’s parliamentary pasting
Jun 20, 2022
Sophie Petter, The Economist's Paris bureau chief, breaks down Emmanuel Macron's loss of parliamentary majority and the rise of both far-right and left coalitions, complicating his reform agenda. Meanwhile, Matthew Valencia discusses the evolving landscape of corporate espionage, showcasing how modern tactics go beyond mere recipes to include serious intelligence-gathering threats. They also delve into how well-meaning traffic safety statistics can backfire, leading to unintended increases in road accidents.
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Macron's Loss
- France's President Emmanuel Macron lost his parliamentary majority, impacting his reform agenda.
- The far right and left gained significant ground, creating a divided National Assembly.
Left's Unity
- The French left, historically fragmented, united under Jean-Luc Mélenchon's NUPES coalition.
- This alliance, despite internal divisions, presents a strong, left-leaning opposition.
Far Right's Rise
- Marine Le Pen's far-right party achieved a surprising boost, becoming larger than the traditional Republicans.
- This signifies a three-block division in French politics: the center, the left, and the far right.