How might a Macron presidency 2.0 listen more and dictate less?
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskFrom the leader who clambered up to grand heights to begin his presidency in 2017, this marks something of a turnaround. The centrist, it seems, has taken the full measure of what is at stake during what is probably his final term. For Mr Macron’s challenge is typical of those facing liberal democrats across Europe as they seek to hold the centre against the forces of populism.
Nobody charges Mr Macron with lacking competence, seriousness, intellect or imagination. He has some work to do to improve the sharing of wealth, although the record is not bad. To live up to his government’s post-partisan billing, he needs to rebalance it towards the greens and the left. But the main complaint is about Mr Macron’s solitary exercise of power, and the impression he can give of disdaining the less able or lucky.
Another option to alleviate the feeling of voicelessness would be to give people more of a say in between elections. Mr Macron has talked about setting up a citizens’ assembly to discuss assisted dying, like the one Ireland used to discuss whether and how to legalise abortion. He could encourage more local experimentation in the running of schools, say, in defiance of the country’s Jacobin reflexes. He might also seek to make parliament more representative. Ms Le Pen won 41.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Macron hails ‘democratic renaissance’ as he is sworn in for second termFrench president promises inclusive education system, accessible health service and stronger military at Elysée Palace ceremony
Read more »
Lutfur Rahman: Aspire party takes control of Tower HamletsAspire, set up by re-elected mayor Lutfur Rahman, takes control of the east London borough council.
Read more »
Lutfur Rahman: Ex-mayor banned for 'corrupt and illegal practices' re-elected in London's Tower HamletsA former east London mayor who was forced to step down and banned from standing for five years has re-emerged to take the top job again
Read more »
Baby boomers go on courses to learn how to understand millennialsBaby boomers are going on courses to understand how younger people communicate and operate in the workplace
Read more »
Six-year-old twins found after going missing in south LondonEmmanuel and Emmanuella were reported missing from the garden of their home in Lambeth on Saturday
Read more »
Jill Biden Visits Ukraine on Mother's Day“I wanted to come on Mother’s Day,” the U.S. first lady told first lady Olena Zelenska
Read more »