Barnier ousted: is this the end for France's Fifth Republic? With Robert Tombs and John Keiger

[@allangriffiths9555]

Looking at the crises in both France and Germany, are we looking at the demise of the EU? I do so hope!

[@Bluejohn]

Yet Starmer cannot wait to re-join

[@g3523jaen]

@@Bluejohn well. The EU is in crisis because far right and far left parties are on the rise and want to try and fix the immigration and economic issues. The UK is just walking forward into doom. Fixing hard issues requires a bit of chaos. At least many EU countries have hope. Can you say the UK have any hope right now? Nigel Farage saying they need not to talk to hard about Islamic forces, because they will make up at big part of the country in 20 years and tehy need their vote... What a hopeless situation the UK is in.

[@BonusHole-x5u]

@@allangriffiths9555 Here's 50 cents wumao 😂

[@padraigohooligan8363]

And that "demise" wil improve the economic position and provide a better trading relationship for the UK with 27 countries in the EU? Of course it won't! The UK would be much worse off and its citizens would find it harder and more costly to travel to, live and work in such countries, and their children to have a part of their education there.

[@keto0303]

@@padraigohooligan8363 Yes, EU collapse will lead to economic development in Europe again. EU is an over-regulation machine that hampers innovation.

[@BudFox575]

These Cambridge fellows showed their quality today. Good show

[@DavidJohnson-pp4sy]

Superb discussion. Much appreciated. Learned a lot.

[@FireatWillPod]

Thank you!

[@helentarry2692]

Brilliant video. I’ve rarely learned so much in so short a time.

[@FireatWillPod]

@@helentarry2692 Thank you!

[@richardruda369]

Absolutely brilliant analysis of France’s current crisis by all concerned. A privilege to watch.

[@FireatWillPod]

Thank you!

[@johnweiner]

I am a Americano-Français...that is to say, that I was born and raised in NY/Philadelphia, but have lived in France and have extensive family in France since about 1991. That said, I think this discussion and remarks of Tombs and Keiger are MUCH more illuminating than anything I have been able to glean from the French press or the American newspapers. Congratulations to Spectator TV.

[@casey203]

France without its Monarchy is like a lion without its mane. A non political monarch would solve the head of state issue. A president in office but not in power is the silliness you get with the 5th republic.

[@ednorton47]

Macron should dissolve parliament, invite the Duke of Anjou, Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, to take his rightful throne, and then resign. The King can then rule by decree and restore stable and good government to France.

[@Stoddardian]

@@ednorton47 based

[@dewiowen3010]

Well said.

[@garymitchell5899]

​@@Stand663But that isn't the settlement that Ed suggested.

[@Stand663]

@@garymitchell5899 I know Gaz. I was merely stating republik don’t work. What works is constitutional monarchy.. Peasants don’t know how to rule. It’s not in their dna. That’s why ze are peasants. They squabble and fight and eventually overthrow each other. Look at Korea.

[@JohnShuba]

I have been reading about the French Revolution recently and am struck by the fact that Louis XVI and his ministers fell (and revolution began) because they could not manage French finances. History repeating itself?

[@SepulchreBrit]

Great to see Will presenting. His podcast fire at will is really ace. Serious and humorous and patient interviewer

[@FireatWillPod]

Thank you so much!

[@JimmoStClair]

7:03 - I expected him to say, "The principle purpose of the Fifth Republic, was to solve the problems of the Fourth Republic".

[@wastag9412]

Same lol. Though his theory of a pendulum between democratic and authoritarian models essentially said that while making it seem more endemic to French political culture which is... well... exactly right. Would have to disagree the idea that a new constitution wouldn't fix it, though - the problems at the moment are caused by having a separate legislature and executive, whereas a parliamentary system with fixed parliaments wouldn't have faced this deadlock and wouldn't be constantly dissolved as they were during the Fourth. All they have to do is look across the pond and see the British system which has survived pretty much intact, just more democratic, over the past 250 years.

[@philiplindley7384]

How long before these people come to terms with the fact that the EU has created all of this and only its disintegration will provide any kind of solution?

[@ciobalina7445]

This has nothing to do with the EU. The regime is shifting from left to right and it's painful. It is clear the new regime is trying to

[@SculptExpress-gv8jp]

Nothing to do with the EU. If anything it strengthens France. What would be a benefit for France to be on its own? In the current political situation, I see Britain working again with the EU. Nothing good came out for Britain with Brexit.

[@philiplindley7384]

@@SculptExpress-gv8jp Outside of the EU France wouldn't be in this predicament.

[@Orcbotbasher]

​​@@SculptExpress-gv8jpWe in Britain are currently immune from these 🇪🇺 problems, so your analysis is completely incorrect. Maybe one day you'll learn to accept the democratic decision of the British electorate.

[@supercriceto]

​@@SculptExpress-gv8jpExcept our sovereign independence and direct democratic accountability. Oh, and trade deals. Even as the Titanic sinks, you would have us climb back onboard.

[@paulsmith982]

If there's a stupid thing, an outright wrong thing to do, that's what Starmer will do

[@francescahamilton6856]

Excellent discussion and very informative. Puts much into perspective. My beloved France topples and on my birthday. Thanku.

[@FireatWillPod]

Thank you!

[@PhilipHughes-wp3vm]

The elephant in the room of the French "politique" is debt. Massive debt that can only be funded by ever more expensive borrowing. The next " administration" whoever that might contain, has to get a grip of this. One hard sell to the French public, but they'll have to bite this particular bullet . Good luck with that. Bon chance, mes amis, and get real. Live within your means. The game is nearly up for you.

[@garymitchell5899]

The social security changes which prompted these recent upheavals are part of France's response to their financial situation, so it's hardly an elephant in the room.

[@mih9356]

@@PhilipHughes-wp3vm 🤣 And they think Putin is that elephant in the room 😂

[@ssuwandi3240]

Thanks to Climate Subsidies. 4 years on and Nothing to show!!

[@aalan4296]

France will be dynamite that brings down the whole EU project, the economic crisis will trigger mass civil disobedience and "new French" are more inclined to reach for the extremes and push certain agenda's.

[@Chris-v6b1n]

The UK is in exactly the same position. Our debt is untenable, our liabilities limitless (given that the government is now housing, feeding, clothing and providing services for anyone from anywhere in the world who comes here) and public spending is out of control.

[@johnwilkins9936]

Really good questions by the host,

[@FireatWillPod]

Thank you!

[@chelseapoet3664]

Germany and France struggling, the EU looking unstable. We voted Brexit for independence and it looks more and more like the right thing.

[@pyeac]

@@chelseapoet3664 brexit didn't even happen though, the UK has to abide by every stupid rule the EU has anyways. Now they just don't get a vote

[@ciobalina7445]

​@@pyeac That's because you still have dealings with it. Every state you collaborate with especially financially has rules you need to follow. Also, those outside EU that are not UK must follow some rules as well. You can find other countries to trade with if you don't like the EU.

[@mr.mayhem7402]

It's too early to say what the outcome of the French Revolution will be.

[@Trevor_Austin]

The term “how Britain sees Europe” - In whose eyes? Starmer’s, the Labour Party’s, the Civil Service or the majority of the British public?

[@alecpritchard]

Thank you for pointing this out 🎉

[@alecpritchard]

So many people do not understand that individual eyes exist. And those who have them are tasked with understanding this and showing the others that indeed, they do.

[@curiositycloset2359]

The logos

[@jamesisaacs6279]

The EU derives it’s power from horizontal elitism, national voters desire a horizontal relationship. As Tony Benn opined, we need to be able to sack you

[@supercriceto]

I often disagreed with Tony Benn but he was a brilliant man and a very early opponent of what the EU was to become. Imagine if the current Labour government had a few people of that calibre running things.

[@1943colin]

"France in crises"... Maybe Britain couldn't handle the resignation of a prime minister without drama but I'm sure France can.

[@briangasser973]

France, Germany, and the UK need economic growth to improve their debt position. Western Europe seems like Japan of the post 1990s, a wealthy nation, but rapidly greying and lacks growth.

[@joeobyrne9348]

No need to vanquish France, as a very successful general once said "don't interrupt you enemy as he is making a mistake" 😃

[@philiplindley7384]

Haha, Napoleon.

[@jeanvaljean9293]

Because the uk is doing some much better ?

[@RobertThomson-y4m]

Can't have a summer election.....what a joke.

[@albertgrant1017]

Thats the French !

[@ChrisVaughan-gj7ve]

The clock is ticking for you Mr Barnier

[@mih9356]

Right 😂 and for those with regressive thoughts towards Monarchy, we would suggest Hegel's philosophy and they will understand where we are headed 😂. You can not avoid Hegel... Then have a guess about the next chapter after Hegel if you can 😂😂. By the way UK got your their Brexit and then pushed Ukraine into a war with their so called Western allies like Germany and France. With these so called friends like UK and Boris Johnston, France and Germany do not need other enemies😂. Mission accomplished

[@theant9821]

Restore the Kingdom of France and have a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Works in Spain and Belgium.

[@davidgray3321]

@@theant9821 and of course the U.K. where it was invented, like many other things.

[@mih9356]

​​@@davidgray3321 That is the consequence of exploitation of Africa and creating wars in those countries and calling it European civilisation?? 😂 by the way did I say anything about how NATO liberated the richest country in Africa? You guess it's name 😂 it is not far from Italy . Used to be their colony too😂 The era of exploitation through colonies like last few hundred years has ended. It is now through globalist corporate domination, banking and finance .. wars through NATO? Have you heard of Libya? Are you really unaware of that change. ? 😂😂

[@deepbludreams]

How would that fix a budgeting issue, Spain and Belgium are tiny countries economically speaking, France alone is over twice as big as those two combined GDP wise. I dont get why people keep suggesting that a figurehead government will somehow stop the wave of descent, mega rich people who govern by blood does not exactly make farmers who can't retire happy.

[@stephfoxwell4620]

​Spain's economy is half the size of France. It's population is 70% of France's. e​@@deepbludreams

[@stephfoxwell4620]

France, like Sweden, Holland and Belgium is now 10% Muslim. It is all downhill from there.

[@Madoldcatlady]

I wouldn’t mind betting that it’s actually more than that, particularly if we include the illegal migrants of which there are thousands. It’s incredibly hard to estimate just how many Muslims are in France, because we don’t allow censuses stating religions.

[@thedavid00100]

I remember when Europe was 100% Xtian and there was no Islam on the continent, Europe was a peaceful continent with no wars, poverty, racism, and genocide. Oh, wait

[@fossilfern]

lol I love how people bemoan UK politics but France has always been a basket case.

[@Plectognath]

A busy time geopolitically.

[@mrbaker7443]

Is democracy in trouble everywhere by accident or by design?🤔

[@mih9356]

​​@@mrbaker7443 That is the consequence of exploitation of Africa and creating wars in those countries and calling it European civilisation and democracy😂 by the way did I say anything about how NATO liberated the richest country in Africa? You guess it's name 😂 it is not far from Italy . Used to be their colony too😂 The era of exploitation through colonies like last few hundred years has ended. It is now through globalist corporate domination, banking and finance .. wars through NATO? Have you heard of Libya? Are you really unaware of that change. ? 😂😂 What is next,? Read Hegel' s philosophy and you will know 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@JamesJohannes-l6w]

The Irish joke brought a rare smile to my face. They have a great sense of humour.

[@johnfrancis4401]

The Macron government has treated the UK with distain. So I have no sympathy for the rulers in France but do feel sorry for ordinary citizens.

[@bernardfox9078]

The ordinary citizens have been living an easy life for years and not being prepared to face up to reality. They (or should I say their children) will be getting exactly what the deserve.

[@longevity-u1z]

my great grandfather studied medicine, i believe, at Cambridge and then joined the military, i think. He gained 2 medals and became head of the military police. He was killed at the battle of Loos in WW1, at the age of 45, leaving a devastated widow and three children under 5. Therefore, i am totally against war and weapons.

[@paulpenfold2352]

We're never going to be able to grapple with the issue of debt so long as our public servants and politicians are expected to worship at the altar of empathy. Empathy in our public services means satisfying everyone's sense of entitlement and answering their every grievance, and it's ruining us (and France).

[@excellentcomment]

So true. Need is infinite. Resources are finite. That's eternal. Socialism rewards need. Capitalism rewards production. Each has predictable outcomes.

[@andrewwhite3793]

Has anybody said that the big 2 in the EU Germany & France have been weakened with the UK leaving. Bit ironic if this is Brexit's fault

[@mih9356]

No they are weakened through the indirect war with Russia. Brexit was a British trap for them and the real punch was through pushing the Ukrainian and the rest of Europe to fight against Russia 😂 Mission accomplished

[@vinniechan]

I think Britain would have moderates the relationship between the EU states but nothing can stop problems of a country that comes from within

[@deepbludreams]

The issue is that it would not have mattered if the UK remained. The issue with the EUs biggest members facing internal struggle is just the eventuality of their leftist goverments. I am playing no side here but the inherent long term issue of France and Germany is their extensive welfare state, their social security programs, they ballooned in cost as time went on and while good for the people's standard of living it gives the government no wiggle room in the budget. covid and the war in the east had drained the EUs coffers, far right and left wing candidates and parties always appear in times of severe financial and social destress, made worse by the US and Asian markets gaining value at rates that keep European nations from competing.

[@latchmere100]

​@@deepbludreamsBlah, blah, blah.

[@perikleshistory]

Nice to see Will on here

[@FireatWillPod]

Thank you!

[@Beach_comber]

Such an interesting discussion that I hate to get all Anglo-Saxon and mention the bond market. The yield on 10 year French government debt is only 2.9%, which is lower than the 3.2% it reached in early November. 10 year UK Gilts have a yield of 4.3%. The markets simply aren't worried about French debt or government instability and there was a successful 4.6 billion Euros French government bond sale earlier today (Thursday). We'll see who's right over the next 12 months.

[@briangasser973]

The US has a 4.2% yield on the 10 year treasury. The yield is higher because of the need to contain overheating growth. Having a low interest rate like Japan, doesn't show a low debt load or economic growth.

[@Beach_comber]

@@briangasser973 True. It does show that investors aren't worried about Japan's total debt though.

[@Kopite4life12]

When is France not in crisis?

[@helenmalinowski4482]

Pauvre France... so often in crisis.

[@JimmoStClair]

9:43 - "We 'ave no choice, we must appoint le cheese council, Monsieur Macron."

[@MGJS71]

5th Republic has lasted almost as long as 3rd. Time for a change!

[@lewis123417]

With that attitude France will be on their 10th republic by the end of this decade 😂

[@davidpnewton]

What we do NOT want is what followed the Third Republic: Vichy!

[@parkependleton6453]

France clearly needs another new republic to replace the Fifth. Let's avoid trouble in the future by skipping past the Sixth and going straight to the Seventh.

[@latchmere100]

Centre right, equals not so far left. The Conservatives in this country are a joke. The only thing they achieved was to smash the two party system. 😊😊

[@christianwestling2019]

Maybe instead of a sixth republic; return to the Roi. ⚜️

[@mrbaker7443]

And to Christianity. Note Dame cathedral is reborn too…

[@stephfoxwell4620]

Louise Alphonse Du Bourbon.

[@supercriceto]

Are you making a claim?

[@stephfoxwell4620]

@@supercriceto He is 2,542,765th in line.

[@colonelflashman972]

Why do people feel we must defend the EU? We have lost too many good men for them and we do not need to! Does Turkey feel the need to defend the EU ? No, No, No! okay, article 5 I hope you get my point.

[@mih9356]

For those with regressive thoughts towards Monarchy, we would suggest Hegel's philosophy and you will understand where we are headed 😂. You can not avoid Hegel... Then have a guess about the next chapter after Hegel if you can 😂😂. By the way you got your Brexit and then pushed Ukraine into a war with your so called Western allies like Germany and France. With these so called friends like UK and Boris Johnston, France and Germany do not need other enemies😂. Mission accomplished

[@longevity-u1z]

am surprised M Barnier 'dismissed' Mme Le Pen?

[@MrJoel9679]

Merry Christmas to Robert’s library. 🎉🎉🎉😂

[@Farmhand444]

I love France what a country ! And what super people they will get though this looking forward to the six nations As for all this other stuff it sound too completed they all been to get a pint and sort it

[@b.alexanderjohnstone9774]

Not the most glorious time to be British but take heart fellas: we're not French (yet).

[@pyeac]

Your African. That's not better

[@DanWAd]

Macron is now late Blair

[@williambranch4283]

We can hope?

[@omarlocke4351]

there is a very simple solution here. just go to marine le pen and ask her to help govern. stop trying to override the will of the people…

[@longevity-u1z]

The French, however, can rely on their educated and committed workforce, though, no???

[@darbyheavey406]

The US Constitution seems robust in comparison..our Second Republic I suppose.

[@longevity-u1z]

just had an ad for jonnie walkers!

[@RobertThomson-y4m]

The whole western world is in total free fall. Thank God we have starmer😂

[@mih9356]

😂😂😂 he is another puppet. Read Hegel's philosophy and you will understand where we are headed 😂. You can not avoid Hegel... Then have a guess about the next chapter after Hegel if you can 😂😂. By the way you got your Brexit and then pushed Ukraine into a war with your so called Western allies like Germany and France. With these so called friends like UK and Boris Johnston, France and Germany do not need other enemies😂. Mission accomplished

[@mrbaker7443]

Pray to Jesus Christ

[@maccagrabme]

Thats globalism for you.

[@supercriceto]

Yes! Thank God Captain Smith is at the bridge in this region of icebergs . . .

[@noneofyoubusiness4895]

Why do you have an ad for a Black Friday deal? Black Friday was last week.

[@stewarti7192]

Because the Spectator are stuck in the past 😂

[@supercriceto]

Black Friday lasts weeks. It's like 'sales' at furniture stores. They never end.

[@kmowl1994]

They need to bring back Napoleon

[@longevity-u1z]

wondering how either of the guests think ecological issues 'lace' with the present state of French affairs, with respect??? Btw, the OU appeared to be very much in favour of the EU, contrary to Mr Tombs???

[@longevity-u1z]

if i were 'France', i wd call on prof Becker, the surgeon, no???

[@longevity-u1z]

imho, the government here ought to fast-track Dr de Grey's research if they want to increase the age of retirement, no???

[@Madoldcatlady]

Sorry, but that could not have been an "improvised speech" that Macron gave. Not at all! His English is pretty poor, considering his high level of education. I’ve heard him give speeches in English many times are frankly it’s dismal. What he is obviously good at, is acting. All his speeches: those he gives in French, are quite clearly heavily rehearsed, down to expressions, pauses, gravity of voice etc, etc. He’s not a bad actor. So I’d bet in it, that that "improvised speech" had been rehearsed many times prior to his meeting May. Oh.., and to the other guy, what wrong with "nationalist parties"? Governments should put their nation first! We’re partly in this mess in France, because of the rules the EU imposes and because of mass, uncontrolled immigration and the ridiculous, over bloated welfare state. "Populist"? What is populist, but a party that a large proportion of voting people like? Isn’t that what all political parties ultimate aim is?? I’d just like to add, there’s a growing number of people who’ve finally realised that the EU is no good for France’s health, as are other citizens of EU member states.

[@longevity-u1z]

What are the "particular interests" of the EU, pl?

[@markmaclean1230]

The 1st through the 5th republic's kind of sucks so hopefully on the 6th Republic maybe it'll be a little bit better;

[@PhillipaSilke]

Macron. GO

[@albacan]

I fear for democracy because I can't cite one which is progressive

[@manuell3629]

no

[@longevity-u1z]

praps France should have had a reformation, rather than a revolution!????

[@longevity-u1z]

am confused that France trades in defence equipment given it's stance on Ukraine and that it has nuclear sites???

[@longevity-u1z]

i think it is encumbent on the EU to suggest that it's officials are elected, no???

[@longevity-u1z]

y r a no. of the EU officials permanent rather than elected, please?

[@dariusclovis1374]

Restore the Monarchy & undo the 1789 Revolution, Consecrate France to the Sacred Heart as requested by Our Lord to King Louis XIV in the 1600s. Because of the failure to comply, France consequently fell victim to the Revolution and lose of the Monarchy & the overthrow of the Christian Social Order. The French Monarchy is the source of National Unity.

[@longevity-u1z]

praps France should swap countries with either Germany or Sweden, or consult with them???? i was going to add that it could approach the EU for help, but that wd contradict Mr Tombs' opinion about the latter, no?

[@LudvigIndestrucable]

One thing that Starmer et al should take note of is, pouring scorn on 'populism' seems to be a way of excusing making decisions that are wildly unpopular outside of his rareified dinner parties. Giving up the Chagos and the Elgin marbles alongside destroying the farming community has upset a lot of people and they seem totally unconcerned with this, something they may learn to regret in 4 years time.

[@rogerdubarry8505]

Vivre le Roi

[@tonyshortland8812]

€56Billion p/a interest payments, on €2.7Trillion national debit. A population that retires @ 62 yoa. And a farming community that sprays sh*t over public buildings, when Emmanuel wants them to work on to 64. The country's is financially shafted.

[@michaelreynolds7263]

@@tonyshortland8812 To bring people with you in any debt reducing policy governments have to stop giving billions abroad. Brexit put more responsibility onto France and Germany for keeping the EUs finances afloat.

[@longevity-u1z]

Pres. Macron has been unfortunate with the occurrences of both Covid, then Ukraine during his time in office, though, no???

[@just_another32]

you haven't even explained what the causes of the bloody crisis are

[@mih9356]

You are right. 😂 For those with regressive thoughts towards Monarchy, we would suggest Hegel's philosophy and you will understand where we are headed 😂. They can not avoid Hegel... Then have a guess about the next chapter after Hegel if you can 😂😂. By the way they got their Brexit and then pushed Ukraine into a war with their so called Western allies like Germany and France. With these so called friends like UK and Boris Johnston, France and Germany do not need other enemies😂. Mission accomplished

[@mikeoglen6848]

@@mih9356 Surely Marx has suggested where we are going?

[@williamvorkosigan5151]

Our wonderful technocrats have indebted our nations. They may not want us to become like formerly rich Argentina, but the policies our "Elites" have agreed on pursuing regardless of Labour or Conservative means it is approaching inevitable.

[@MrJoel9679]

It’s an anathema for a legitimate Republic to be a member state. It is being dictated to by a bureaucracy with monarchic powers.

[@a34rwl]

A stip beck?

[@longevity-u1z]

Moutiers is in a valley, so the pollution from vehicles tumbles down into it. However, in the square de la Liberte, there is an urban valley where fumes rise, affecting residents in apartments. Furthermore, being relatively high above sea level the air pressure seems to concentrate the emissions, harming peoples' lungs. Lastly, due to the town's geography, it receives little sun after 18 00 in the summer, perhaps 15 30/16 00 in the winter. The only advantage this region has is the speed of it's river, Isere. One would imagine that this resource would be used to make up for the above privations? But no, what a surprise, it appears EDF has quietly sequestered this one electricity-producing asset, so that the locals receive no 'levelling' gain from it? Furthermore, government has seen fit to close the local hospital and stop the ski train from England. Thus, inhabitants are, in my eyes, being robbed/exploited/oppressed by this unfair 'situation', no??????? Moutiers se trouve dans une vallée, de sorte que la pollution des véhicules s’y déverse. Cependant, sur le square de la Liberté, il y a une vallée urbaine où les fumées remontent, affectant les résidents des appartements. De plus, étant relativement élevée au-dessus du niveau de la mer, la pression atmosphérique semble concentrer les émissions, endommageant les poumons des gens. Enfin, en raison de la géographie de la ville, elle reçoit peu de soleil après 18 00 en été, peut-être 15 30/16 00 en hiver. Le seul avantage de cette région est la vitesse de sa rivière, l’Isère. On pourrait imaginer que cette ressource serait utilisée pour compenser les privations ci-dessus ? Mais non, quelle surprise, il semble qu’EDF ait discrètement séquestré cet actif de production d’électricité, de sorte que les habitants n’en retirent aucun gain de « nivellement » ? De plus, le gouvernement a jugé bon de fermer l’hôpital local et d’arrêter le train de ski en provenance d’Angleterre. Ainsi, les habitants sont, à mes yeux, volés/exploités/opprimés par cette « situation » injuste, non ???????

[@ednorton47]

It may be necessary for the Germans to settle this dispute.

[@mih9356]

They are all bankrupt

[@jaynespearin71]

Lol. But no.

[@jackcollins156]

Is this all about buying time, to distract the population while the technocrats, who are really in control carry out the wishes if the eu, un, who, imf etc? Is the failed coup in South Korean something to think about too?

[@manin10]

We all remember Barnier's arrogant clock is ticking taunt at the beginning of Brexit!😂😂

[@MightySheep]

shame i liked barnier

[@mrbaker7443]

It is a pity that you liked Barnier, indeed.

[@MidnightRambler]

Stop ignoring Le pen and accept the will of the country

[@Mark_Dyer1]

The discussion thirty minutes in is complete nonsense. Throughout Europe - whether the UK or EU - the threat is from within: and it is Islam. How does 'strategic defence' assist us there? This is typica of the type of debate in which the (Tory) 'Spectator' indulges itself. Fine for a Union Society debate: but not grounded in reality.

[@unclecreepy2022]

End of the Fifth Republic? You guys are risking making yourselves look like idiots with this clickbait. I like much of what I've seen so far from The Spectator over the last couple of months. Don't ruin it.

[@highspirit7590]

La Cinquième République n’existe plus, les politiques respecte encore la lettre mais pas l’esprit

[@LS-xs7sg]

So sad to see a glorious nation like France brought low. But at least they have a strong nationalist and martial tradition that has the opportunity to keep the flame burning despite the ravages of global finance and Islamic colonisation. They have hope at least.

[@mih9356]

😂😂😂 good joke. Glorious? Did you mean the French nationalists were against crimes in Africa? Were they against NATO when they attacked Libya? 😂😂 Or only the life of white Europeans is glorious😂 Europe has earned it although I like their culture but not their blind stupid nationalist feelings 😂 patriotism is different than blind nationalism

[@thecrankster]

Sorry these guys are wrong wrong wrong. Just a lot of confirmation bias stuff

[@longevity-u1z]

i dont get the Irish joke, sorry! je ne comprends pas la blague irlandaise, désolée.

[@artrandy]

I've always thought that the French mindset was better suited under a system like the Divine Right of Kings, where an authority figure could deal with the squabbling. Ever since the Revolution, there's been nothing but trouble in that country..........

[@stevo728822]

To help their economy, France needs a free trade deal with another major economy...like the UK.

[@nicholassimpson518]

Again. Lol

[@jdc-avatar]

Why are the English so insular?

[@supercriceto]

We aren't.

[@jdc-avatar]

@@supercriceto Really? Who won WW2?

[@jccusell]

Macron is extremely smart.

[@mih9356]

😂😂😂 smart puppet which makes him a dummy

[@philiplindley7384]

We'll see. If he is, he'll get out now.

[@mih9356]

😂 Europe is collapsing from within but keep thinking that the elephant in the room is Mr Putin.😂 You asked for it. UK cooked it and Americans delivered 😂 Putin is laughing at the stupidity of the Eurooean puppets dressed as politicians😂

[@ports10r]

Arrogance is the real problem.

[@mih9356]

😂 For those with regressive thoughts towards Monarchy, we would suggest Hegel's philosophy and you will understand where we are headed 😂. You can not avoid Hegel... Then have a guess about the next chapter after Hegel if you can 😂😂. By the way you got your Brexit and then pushed Ukraine into a war with your so called Western allies like Germany and France. With these so called friends like UK and Boris Johnston, France and Germany do not need other enemies😂. Mission accomplished

[@BonusHole-x5u]

Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@mih9356]

😂 Putin is saving Ukraine from globalists . What did they expect when NATO expanded towards Russia and used Ukraine as scapegoat. Poor Ukrainian soldiers stabbed in the back by their own leaders😢