The Intelligence from The Economist French anti-foreign legion: an EU-election shock
Jun 10, 2024
Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, discusses the surprising gains of hard-right parties in Europe, particularly in France, which forced President Macron into a snap election. Tamara Jilks-Bohr, U.S. policy correspondent, addresses the spike in absenteeism in American schools post-pandemic, highlighting innovative strategies that worked at Manzano High School. Additionally, they explore the quirky and sometimes controversial world of naming cars, revealing how cultural nuances can shape branding decisions.
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French Election Shock
- France's hard-right surge in the EU elections shocked Macron, prompting a snap election.
- This reflects national politics and hints at European governance changes.
Le Pen's Triumph
- Marine Le Pen's National Rally party significantly outperformed Macron's Renaissance.
- Nearly 40% of French voters chose radical right-wing parties, a shocking outcome.
Macron's Gamble
- Macron lacks a solid majority but manages through individual bill support, like pension reform.
- Seeing his declining popularity and the right's rise, he called a snap election, a risky move.