Social Democrats Face Crucial Test in North Rhine-Westphalia
If the party can’t win in its industrial heartland, there is little hope for the federal election.
Europe
French System Encourages Temporary, Not Permanent, Polarization
France’s two-round system allows third parties to thrive without playing spoiler.
British See French Election Through Prism of Own Politics
Marine Le Pen is seen as part of the same populist backlash that led to Brexit.
Emmanuel Macron Wins Election in France
The centrist former economy minister defeats the far right’s Marine Le Pen.
France Likely to Dial Down Relations with Qatar After Election
Both presidential candidates have criticized France’s cozy relations with the Persian Gulf state.
Mélenchon Supporters Could Make Same Mistake as American Left
Refusing to vote for an uninspiring social democrat and ending up with a xenophobe. Sound familiar?
Local Elections Test British Parties’ Prospects for June
The council elections are a preview of the upcoming general election.
After Winning Back Party Control, Renzi Faces Two Challenges
The social democrat must unite the Italian left before persuading voters to give him a second chance.
Four Reasons to Doubt Conservatives Will Win In Landslide
Theresa May seems assured of victory, but she might not win as big as the polls predict.
French Presidential Election Reveals Divided Nation
The same splits we saw with Brexit and the election of Donald Trump appear in France.
Social Democracy Isn’t Dead, But It Needs to Adapt
Social democrats lose when they try to be all things to all people.
French National Front Could Emerge Stronger from Defeat
If Emmanuel Macron struggles to implement his reforms, the far right could rise again.
French Parties Collapse as Voters Flock to Blue and Red Extremes
France’s traditional parties have failed to adapt to a shift in the political landscape.
France Eyes Macron-Le Pen Runoff After First Voting Round
Analysis and commentary about the first presidential voting round in France.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon Is Not the French Bernie Sanders
The French leftist’s views are much more extreme than the American’s.