The Man Who Would Be King
The French Revolution, though bloody and traumatic, has long served as a warning for would-be kings and dictators. France’s 1789 rebellion remains a powerful historical lesson.
Greetings from France, a nation perpetually in crisis. This condition, alongside its excellent cuisine, beautiful women, and world-class museums (including the Mona Lisa), is why I enjoyed living here for ten years and continue to visit.
The current crisis is quintessentially French and difficult to explain. Simply put, the government spends excessively, and its traditional political parties cannot agree on a tax plan to avoid fiscal trouble.
This deadlock stems mainly from major party leaders—President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance, the center-right Les Républicains, and a large leftist coalition—who refuse to engage in deal-making and compromise. Their focus remains on securing parliamentary positions and preventing the rise of the neofascist National Rally party.
A Power Struggle in Britain
Meanwhile, global attention is drawn to a power struggle just north of France. Britain’s King Charles III recently stripped his brother, the former Prince Andrew, of all royal titles and privileges, including his 50-room residence near Windsor Castle.
“Britain’s King Charles III just stripped his brother, the former Prince Andrew, of all royal titles and perquisites, including his 50-room residence near Windsor Castle.”
The political and royal tensions in these two neighboring countries emphasize the complexities of leadership and power today.
Author’s summary: France’s ongoing political crisis and Britain's royal upheaval reveal deep struggles over power, influence, and governance in two iconic European nations.