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
Jean-Luc Mélenchon Welcomes the Animosity Jean-Luc Mélenchon Welcomes the Animosity
The “divisive” MP says he’s the best candidate to prevent France’s rightward lurch.
Oct 26, 2021 / Cole Stangler
France’s New Culture Warriors France’s New Culture Warriors
The notion that the French state would bolster academic freedom by enhancing oversight of what is considered appropriate research is ludicrous on its face. But there’s a deeper iro...
Mar 3, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Cole Stangler
The Death of Working-Class Paris The Death of Working-Class Paris
As the rich transform France’s capital into a piggy bank and playground, the future of the city hangs in the balance.
Nov 10, 2020 / Cole Stangler