Losing Ministers May Be Blessing in Disguise for Macron
It’s not an auspicious start, but the new president is rid of a potential troublemaker.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a public affairs officer for the Dutch Animal Coalition and a board member for Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD. He is a former political risk consultant and a former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has also worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for EUobserver, NRC, Trouw, World Politics Review and Wynia’s Week, among others.
Why America and Russia Are Closer to Confrontation in Syria
Both sides have been two-faced about their intentions in the conflict.
Trump Sells Qatar Warplanes After Accusing It of Funding Terrorists
The $12 billion weapons deal comes only weeks after the president reprimanded Qatar for aiding Islamists.
After Landslide, Macron’s Challenge Lies in Forgotten France
The president must convince the less prosperous half of his country that liberal reform will benefit them too.
Hammond Pours Cold Water on Hopes of Soft Brexit
The chancellor rules out membership of the European single market, condemning Britain to a “hard” Brexit.
Dutch Center-Right Parties Eye Labor for Pact
Labor lost the election but may still be needed in the next government.
Russian Gas Pipeline Triggers Transatlantic Spat
Austria and Germany ask the United States not to sanction companies involved in Nord Stream 2.
As Economies Rebound, EU Looks More Attractive
Support for the European Union is going up as countries recover from the economic crisis.
Trump Investigated for Obstructing Justice, Financial Crimes
The investigation into the president’s ties to Russia expands.
EU Threatens Sanctions Against Central European States
It is the latest sign Hungary and Poland have exhausted the patience of their allies.
Resist the Strongman’s Siren Call
America needs a national consensus for change, not a powerful individual to break the political deadlock.
Dutch Coalition Talks Fail Again, Minority Government Likely
The collapse of talks with the Green party leaves Mark Rutte with few options.
Defeat Makes It Harder for May to Navigate Brexit Demands
Both pragmatists, who want a “soft” Brexit, and hardliners now hold more sway over the prime minister.
Macron Projected to Win Comfortable Majority in France
Polls point to the biggest parliamentary majority for an incoming president since Charles de Gaulle.
What Good Is a Two-Party System If It Doesn’t Provide Stability?
The Conservatives and Labour have won a combined 80 percent support, yet neither commands a majority.