Continuity Macronism: Will loyalist Lecornu face entrenched opposition as political divide hardens?

France’s new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu promised a “profound break” with the past on Wednesday as he faced the thorny task of trying to build a government with enough parliamentary support to avoid an early demise. Lecornu’s first day on the job coincided with street protests across France in a show of grassroots opposition to President Emmanuel Macron, which resulted in clashes with police and dozens of arrests, as well as some disruption to transport, schools and other services. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, Oliver Farry welcomes Dr. Andrew Smith, Historian of modern France and Lecturer in Liberal Arts at Queen Mary University of London.