It Could’ve Been Worse—but France’s Local Elections Are a Warning to the Left It Could’ve Been Worse—but France’s Local Elections Are a Warning to the Left
The French left managed to hold on to key cities, but the far right and mainstream right also won key victories—and the intra-left bickering shows no signs of subsiding.
Mar 23, 2026 / Cole Stangler
“We’re Not Calling Things What They Are” “We’re Not Calling Things What They Are”
Years after leading opposition to the US war in Iraq, France’s Dominique de Villepin speaks out against another illegal war in the Middle East and Europe’s timid response.
Mar 13, 2026 / Cole Stangler
How a French City Kept Its Soccer Team Working Class How a French City Kept Its Soccer Team Working Class
Olympique de Marseille shows that if fans organize, a team can fight racism, keep its matches affordable, and maintain a deep connection to the city.
Jan 16, 2026 / Feature / Cole Stangler
The Crisis Engulfing the French Left The Crisis Engulfing the French Left
The New Popular Front alliance looked like the best hope the left had against Macron and Le Pen. But after months of internal conflicts, it’s on the brink of collapse.
Mar 6, 2025 / Cole Stangler
The Discontents of Michel Houellebecq The Discontents of Michel Houellebecq
What happened to the French novelist?
Nov 25, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Cole Stangler
These Activists Have One Simple Goal: Abolish the Cruise Industry These Activists Have One Simple Goal: Abolish the Cruise Industry
A group of environmental activists in France is gaining traction with a bold argument: Cruises shouldn’t exist.
Sep 14, 2023 / Cole Stangler
France’s Pension Reform Battle Will Be Decided in the Streets France’s Pension Reform Battle Will Be Decided in the Streets
Macron is trying to push through cuts to the retirement system, looking to generate savings on the backs of the working class.
Jan 18, 2023 / Cole Stangler
Amid Inflation and Corporate Windfalls, French Workers Are Rising Up Amid Inflation and Corporate Windfalls, French Workers Are Rising Up
The increasing cost of living and the government’s heavy-handed response to a strike at oil refineries is pushing people into the streets, and the discontent isn’t going away.
Oct 19, 2022 / Cole Stangler
Can a United Left Win in Macron’s France? Can a United Left Win in Macron’s France?
France’s left unity coalition is poised to send a crop of activists into the National Assembly, though critics say it could be even more representative of its diverse base.
Jun 9, 2022 / Cole Stangler
“He Just Shat All over Us”: Why Macron’s “Republican Front” Is Fraying “He Just Shat All over Us”: Why Macron’s “Republican Front” Is Fraying
Macron aims to rally voters against far-right Marine Le Pen, but alienated parts of the coalition he needs to win may sit on the sidelines.
Apr 15, 2022 / Cole Stangler