The man who would be king

The Man Who Would Be King

The French Revolution, though violent and traumatic, has long stood as a warning for aspiring kings and dictators. France’s 1789 uprising remains a pivotal historical example.

Greetings from France: A Nation in Perpetual Crisis

France is often described as a country in crisis, a state that paradoxically complements its famed cuisine, stunning women, and world-renowned museums—such as the home of the Mona Lisa. Having lived there for ten years, I continue to be drawn back.

The Current Crisis

The latest turmoil is characteristically French and difficult to fully understand. At its core, the government is overspending, while entrenched political parties fail to agree on a tax strategy to avoid financial difficulties.

The main parties—President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance, the center-right Les Républicains, and a large leftist coalition—refuse to compromise through bargaining or deals.
They prioritize preserving their parliamentary power and preventing the far-right National Rally from gaining influence.

Distraction from a Northern Power Struggle

The French public, like much of the world, has been more focused recently on events a few miles north in Britain.

“Britain’s 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.”

Author's Summary

This text underscores France's recurring political chaos and highlights how global attention is shifting to dramatic changes within the British monarchy.

The Berkshire Eagle — 2025-11-10