The Daily

France’s Big Decision

Apr 22, 2022

Roger Cohen, the Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, provides an in-depth analysis of the high-stakes French presidential runoff between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen. He discusses how the Ukraine conflict and rising economic inequality have intensified political tensions. Cohen explores the normalization of far-right politics through media influence and the implications of voter apathy. The conversation underscores the significance of this election for France’s future, especially regarding NATO and international relations.

32:11

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Episode guests

Roger Cohen

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

France's Political Turmoil: Macron vs. Le Pen

14min

Media Influence on Far-Right Politics in France

4min

Politics, Putin, and France's Future

9min

Polling Insights and Voter Apathy Ahead of French Election

2min

International Support for Ukraine and CNN's Strategic Shift

3min

When they go to the polls on Sunday, voters in France will be faced with the same two presidential candidates as 2017: Emmanuel Macron, the president and a polished centrist, and Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally party.

Yet the context is different. There is a war in Europe, and the contest is tight.

What are the stakes in the runoff election, and how has the race become so close?

Guest: Roger Cohen, Paris bureau chief for The New York Times.

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Background reading:

President Emmanuel Macron will face Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader, in the runoff on Sunday. The outcome will be crucial for France and reverberate globally.
No French president has been the object of such intense dislike among significant segments of the population as Mr. Macron. How deep that loathing runs will be a critical factor in the election.

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