Blue-Red Culture War in the Alps
Austria’s presidential election revealed the same divides we saw in America. How do we heal those divisions?
Europe
Renzi Steps Down After Italy Rejects Constitutional Reforms
The prime minister resigns after voters reject his constitutional changes in a referendum.
Van der Bellen’s Victory Sends Message to Other Countries
Openness and pro-European sentiment can win, but only by mobilizing the whole center and left.
Austrians Elect Left-Wing President, Italians Vote Renzi Out
Alexander Van der Bellen defeats the far right. Matteo Renzi resigns after losing a referendum.
Sound Policies Not Enough to Fend Off Populist Challenge
Defeating reactionaries is going to require a full-throated defense of liberal ideas.
Parties Agree to Reduce Deficit, Raise Minimum Wage in Spain
Spain’s two major parties compromise on a spending plan for 2017.
After Hollande Steps Aside, Valls Is the Only Serious Candidate
François Hollande’s prime minister is the only one who can give the French Socialists a chance in next year’s election.
Slowly But Surely, Europe Gets Serious About Its Own Defense
The EU proposes to fund defense research while Belgium and the Netherlands pool the acquisition of new ships.
By June, France Will Have a More Pro-Russian President
François Fillon’s nomination guarantees that the next French president will be more Russia-friendly.
Conservative Fillon Triumphs in French Center-Right Primary
Voters pick the socially conservative François Fillon over the pro-European centrist Alain Juppé.
François Fillon Leads Revolt of France’s “Discreet Bourgeoisie”
Middle-income voters in small-town France have lost patience after five years of socialism.
Merkel Must Be Careful Not to Repeat Clinton’s Mistake
In pursuing centrist voters, the German chancellor must take care to protect her right flank.
Brexit Imperils May’s Compassionate Conservatism
The cost of Brexit will not leave much extra for those who are “just about managing”.
For French Right, Juppé Is the Safe Choice
Both Republican candidates could defeat Marine Le Pen, but François Fillon would be weaker against a centrist.
First Presidential Primary in France Becomes Sarkozy’s Downfall
The former president fails to quality for the second voting round.