President Macron faces a wave of popular discontent at home due to his plans to raise France’s pension age. The panel discusses how his decision to bypass the French parliament has impacted his ability to govern as well as his wider standing within the country. Has it opened the door for the far-right in the next presidential election?
This week’s guests also examine the Indo-Pacific and discuss the reverberations of Macron’s recent visit to China with European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen, the comments he made on the question of Taiwan, and what he was trying to achieve. What does the widespread criticism he received say about France’s wider foreign policy?
Joining Bronwen Maddox on the podcast this week are Simon Kuper, writer and journalist with the Financial Times, Georgina Wright, director of the Europe programme at the Institute Montaigne, and Antoine Bondaz, director of the Korea and Taiwan programmes at the Foundation for Strategic Research.
About Independent Thinking
Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists, and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.
More ways to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify.