The man who would be king

The Man Who Would Be King

The French Revolution, despite its violence and trauma, has long stood as a warning to aspiring kings and dictators worldwide. Equally significant is the fact that France’s 1789 rebellion shaped this enduring lesson.

Greetings from a Nation in Perpetual Crisis

France is often described as constantly being in crisis. This condition, coupled with the country’s renowned cuisine, beautiful women, and world-class museums—like the Mona Lisa—explains why I enjoyed living here for a decade and continue to visit.

The Current Political Crisis

The latest upheaval, much like previous ones, is so typically French in its complexity that it defies simple explanation. In short, the government is overspending, and traditional political parties fail to agree on a tax plan to avoid financial trouble.

Major parties—President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance, the center-right Les Républicains, and a large leftist coalition—refuse to engage in political horse-trading.
These parties focus mainly on preserving their parliamentary power and preventing the rise of the neofascist National Rally.

International Attention on Britain

Meanwhile, global attention this week is 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.

“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 ongoing political crises and Britain's royal family drama reflect the enduring complexities of power and privilege in Europe.

The Berkshire Eagle — 2025-11-10