Macron’s politics weakened mainstream parties while energising radical right & left populist forces

Another prime minister gone. Another crisis unfolds. In France, what once shocked is now routine. François Bayrou resigned after a crushing confidence vote. It’s the third fall of a head of government in 14 months, leaving Macron scrambling and a nation stuck in collapse. Bayrou, 74, lasted nine months, three times longer than his predecessor. His €40B savings plan froze welfare, cut civil jobs, and scrapped two public holidays. For deeper insight, Delano D’Souza welcomes Dr Nicholas Startin.