The man who would be king

The Man Who Would Be King

The French Revolution, though bloody and traumatic, has long acted as a warning for would-be kings and dictators worldwide. France’s 1789 rebellion remains a historical lesson in governance and power.

Greetings from a Nation in Constant Crisis

France is perpetually in crisis, a trait as characteristic as its excellent cuisine, beautiful women, and world-class museums like the Mona Lisa. These qualities explain why I enjoyed living in France for 10 years and continue to return.

The Current Political Crisis

The ongoing crisis is typically French in its complexity and defies easy explanation. In brief, the government spends excessively, and conservative political parties struggle to agree on a tax plan to avoid economic troubles.

This deadlock exists because the main parties—President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance, the center-right Les Républicains, and a significant leftist coalition—see political compromise as beneath them. Instead, they protect their parliamentary power while blocking the growing neofascist National Rally party from gaining influence.

Focus Shift to British Royal Drama

Meanwhile, global attention this week centers on a power struggle just north of France. Britain’s King Charles III recently stripped his brother, former Prince Andrew, of all royal titles and privileges, including his 50-room residence near Windsor Castle.

“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

France’s persistent political turmoil reflects deep party conflicts and fiscal issues, while royal controversies in Britain capture global interest.

The Berkshire Eagle — 2025-11-10