The Man Who Would Be King
The French Revolution, though bloody and traumatic, has long served as a cautionary tale for aspiring kings and dictators. The 1789 rebellion in France remains a vivid historical lesson.
Greetings from France, a nation perpetually in crisis. This constant turmoil—alongside its renowned cuisine, stunning women, and world-class museums (the Mona Lisa says hi!)—is why I enjoyed living here for 10 years and continue to return.
The current crisis, like many before it, is distinctly French and hard to fully grasp. Simply put, the government is overspending, and the outdated political parties cannot agree on a tax plan to avoid fiscal trouble.
This deadlock arises because major party leaders—President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance, the center-right Les Républicains, and a large leftist coalition—view compromises and deal-making as beneath them. Their parties primarily aim to preserve parliamentary influence and to block the growing neofascist National Rally party from gaining ground.
Focus Shifts to British Royal Power Struggle
Meanwhile, both the French and the global public are captivated by a power struggle just north of France. Britain’s King Charles III recently stripped his brother, the former Prince Andrew, of all royal titles, privileges, and his 50-room residence near Windsor Castle.
“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.”
France’s ongoing political gridlock and Britain’s royal drama reveal two different but compelling struggles within entrenched establishments.
Author’s Summary
France’s political paralysis amid fiscal crisis contrasts sharply with a dramatic British royal showdown, illustrating the challenges facing traditional power structures in Europe today.