Russia Divides French Right’s Presidential Contenders
François Fillon and Nicolas Sarkozy seek rapprochement. Alain Juppé rejects “Russophilia”.
Europe
Former Premiers Knock Sarkozy Out of Presidential Contest
François Fillon and Alain Juppé force Nicolas Sarkozy out of the Republican primary.
Italy’s Renzi Brought Referendum Mess on Himself
The social democrat thought a referendum would strengthen him. It could prove his undoing.
Fillon Unexpectedly Surges in French Presidential Primary
Nicolas Sarkozy’s former prime minister suddenly emerges as a serious contender.
Macron Crowds Center in French Presidential Election
In a three-way contest, the former economy minister could appear untested.
Trump Could Dismantle Western International Institutions
An America led by Donald Trump could pull out of trade deals and leave Europe to fend for itself.
Dutch Support Clinton, Hear Echoes of Own Populist in Trump
The socially liberal Dutch are more sympathetic to Democrats.
Hollande Torpedoes Candidacy, Socialists Seek Replacement
A book release squanders what little goodwill the French president had left in his own Socialist Party.
Rutte In Bind as Parties Balk at Endorsing Treaty Fudge
The Dutchman can’t get a deal without his parliament’s support.
What Did Walloons Get from Resisting Canada Trade Pact?
Belgium asks for a review of investor-state tribunals and an evaluation of the treaty’s environmental impact.
Spanish City in North Africa at the Heart of Diplomatic Row
Russian warships sail past Ceuta this time, but its ambiguous NATO status makes it a popular port of call.
There Are Basically Three Ways Brexit Can Go
So long as neither Britain nor the EU is willing to compromise, a “hard” exit is the likely outcome.
Dutch Green Party Rejects Proposal to Merge with Labor
Labor makes the Greens appear ungenerous after it had been accused of disloyalty to the left.
“Flexible” Brexit Is Not a Realistic Solution for Scotland
Scotland must choose which of its borders to keep open: those with England or with the rest of Europe.
Spain’s Socialists Agree to Give Rival Rajoy Second Term
The party ends ten months of political impasse by allowing their right-wing rival to remain in power.