Macron’s Own Goal

Photo by Philippe Grangeaud

The French left have played a blinder. Or, at least, the centre-right chaos agent and French President Emmanuel Macron has played it for them.

Macron called snap elections, hoping to crush both the left and right. He failed. Instead, the far right briefly surged, coming top in the first round before a newly cohesive French left took the largest share in the second, decisive round.

Is this the end of the Fifth Republic?

Olly Haynes tells Richard Hames about the long crises of French politics, the absurdities of Macronism and whether France is heading for a fascist party in power.

Listen to our previous podcast on the French left, Tout Le Monde Déteste La Police (everyone hates the police)

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We’re up against huge power and influence. Our supporters keep us entirely free to access. We don’t have any ad partnerships or sponsored content.

Donate one hour’s wage per month—or whatever you can afford—today.