Gabriel Attal, the dynamic new Prime Minister of France, dives into his mission under President Macron to tackle a resurgent far-right and push through critical reforms. He discusses the political landscape in France and the implications of his appointment. The conversation then shifts to the recent presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marred by allegations of fraud and low turnout. Lastly, they explore how the cult film 'The Wicker Man' is influencing a resurgence in paganism, blending horror and humor in unexpected ways.
21:53
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
France's New Prime Minister
French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Gabriel Attal as Prime Minister.
Attal, 34, is France's youngest-ever Prime Minister, previously serving as Education Minister.
insights INSIGHT
Attal: A "Mini Macron"
Gabriel Attal, a rising star in French politics, is viewed as a "mini Macron."
He has a diverse background, having served as budget minister and government spokesman.
insights INSIGHT
Macron's Strategy
Macron aims to revitalize his government and leverage Attal's popularity.
This move is partly driven by upcoming European elections and the need to counter the far-right's rise.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Robin Hardy's "The Wicker Man" is a British folk horror film that follows Sergeant Howie, a police officer investigating a missing girl on a remote Scottish island. The islanders practice a neo-pagan religion, leading to a clash of cultures and a shocking climax. The film's exploration of pagan rituals and its atmospheric setting have made it a cult classic. Its themes of nature worship and societal clashes continue to resonate with audiences. The film's unique blend of mystery, horror, and dark humor has ensured its lasting impact on cinema.
Witchfinder General
Ian Cooper
Ian Cooper's book offers a detailed analysis of 'Witchfinder General', positioning it within the history of horror and discussing its importance as a British and heritage film. It explores the film's relationship to the novel by Ronald Bassett and the iconic persona of Vincent Price. Cooper also examines the film's influence on later horror genres and its cultural impact.
Gabriel Attal, France’s youthful new prime minister, represents President Emmanuel Macron’s renewed push to pass policy reforms and to counter a resurgent far-right. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a landslide re-election of President Félix Tshisekedi has raised eyebrows—and tempers (7:41). And a look at how “The Wicker Man” may be the force behind a rise in paganism (15:30).
Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.