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The Monocle Daily

Are minority governments the new norm?

Feb 3, 2025
Joining the discussion are Philippe Marlière, a French and European politics expert from University College London, and Daniella Peled, Managing Editor at the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. They delve into the rise of minority governments and their impact on political stability in countries like France and Germany. The conversation also tackles the fragile state of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and its implications for Israeli leadership. Additionally, cultural quirks like pet ownership in urban areas spark intriguing insights into societal norms.
35:49

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The rise of minority governments, seen as undemocratic, threatens political stability by bypassing traditional scrutiny processes, especially in France.
  • Geopolitical tensions significantly hinder Huawei's growth in Western markets, despite its prominence in the global telecommunications landscape and 5G technology.

Deep dives

French Budget Maneuvers and Political Instability

The French government recently passed its 2025 budget using a constitutional clause that allows minority governments to bypass the usual scrutiny processes. This maneuver, often seen as undemocratic, poses significant risks as it opens the government up to censure motions. Observers speculate that current political dynamics may favor the Prime Minister, as key opposition parties seem less inclined to support a no-confidence vote. However, the general political culture in France does not lend itself to consensus-building, leading to continuous instability and potential challenges for lawmakers trying to navigate these turbulent waters.

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