

France charts a path forward as it looks to a new head of government
Oct 10, 2025
Guest
Philip Breen
Guest
Karen Krasanovich
Guest
Andrew Muller
Guest
Steve Crawshaw
Guest
Hannah Lucinda Smith
Guest
Simon Bouvier
Join Simon Bouvier, Monocle's Paris Bureau Chief, as he analyzes the political shake-up in France with Macron seeking a new prime minister. Hannah Lucinda-Smith provides insights into a delicate ceasefire deal in Gaza, while Steve Crawshaw discusses its implications on humanitarian justice. Philip Breen shares his experience staging King Lear in Tokyo, highlighting cultural adaptations. Adding humor, Andrew Muller delivers a satirical roundup on global political antics, making this discussion a fascinating blend of politics, culture, and current events.
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Episode notes
Macron's Consensus Gambit
- France faces a political crisis after three prime ministers in a year and Macron seeks consensus to avoid early elections.
- Macron invites centrist and left leaders but excludes the far right and far left to force budget passage by Monday.
Prime Ministership Is A Poisoned Chalice
- Many potential prime ministerial candidates are unwilling to take a poisoned chalice amid electoral jockeying for 2027.
- The immediate goal is modest: pass a budget by Monday to stabilize markets and government functioning.
Budget Deadline Drives Political Moves
- The government urgently needs a workable majority to pass an austerity budget to prevent economic paralysis.
- Markets reacted badly to sudden ministerial resignations, increasing pressure for quick political clarity.