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.
Western Europe
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.
Season of Discontent: Parallels Between Brexit and Trump
In Britain and the United States, people rebelled against the preferences of college-educated, city elites.
Trump’s European Admirers Are Deluding Themselves
European nationalists see a kindred spirit. They shouldn’t get their hopes up.
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.
Russia Divides French Right’s Presidential Contenders
François Fillon and Nicolas Sarkozy seek rapprochement. Alain Juppé rejects “Russophilia”.
Former Premiers Knock Sarkozy Out of Presidential Contest
François Fillon and Alain Juppé force Nicolas Sarkozy out of the Republican primary.
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.