How Divided Government Works in France
Without a majority in the National Assembly, the president can still make foreign policy.
Western Europe
Northern Ireland’s Political System Will Need to Change
Power-sharing kept the peace for 25 years. Now it’s making it harder to govern.
Amsterdam Won’t Keep Weed from Tourists
Banning the sale of cannabis could lead to a surge in street crime.
Two Parties May Be Better Than Three
The only thing worse than two-party polarization is permanent rule by the center.
Macron’s Next Challenge: Defending His Majority in Parliament
The president’s second term could be a lot harder than his first.
Macron Wins Second Term in France
Emmanuel Macron is the first French president in twenty years to win reelection.
The Three Political Traditions That Explain the French Election
Charles de Gaulle’s two-party system has broken down.
Macron Is Lesser of Evils for Mélenchon Voters
Left-wing France should give the president a second chance.
Macron Is Wrong to Back Away from Pension Reform
French pensions are too generous. The pension system is too expensive.
Macron Places First, But Le Pen Is Stronger Than Ever
Takeaways from the first presidential voting round in France.
Macron and Le Pen Win First Voting Round in France
This presidential election will be a rematch of the last.
French Presidential Election Guide
The electoral system, the candidates, the key issues and the most likely outcomes.
Five French Election Scenarios
Whoever wins the presidency, France will probably have five years of divided government.
Macron Is Succeeding. He Deserves a Second Term
The president promised to make France competitive and confident again, and he has.
Programs of the French Presidential Candidates, Compared
Policies include leaving NATO, legalizing cannabis, raising the retirement age and renationalizing motorways.