Forget Le Pen, It’s Down to Two

William Pfaff / Truthdig Apr 26, 2012 The French elections have settled one question, that of the two finalists for the presidency. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

France: Socialist Victory Overshadowed by ‘Big Healthy Blonde Girl’

Staff / Truthdig Apr 23, 2012 Until his daughter, Marine, captured 19 percent of the vote in France's first round of presidential elections Sunday, Jean Marie Le Pen was the country's most politically successful right-wing crazy In a way he saw this coming, promoting his daughter, as The Guardian recalls, as a "big healthy blonde girl an ideal physical specimen". Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Toulouse Killings Send Tremors Through French Presidential Election

William Pfaff / Truthdig Apr 4, 2012 Francois Hollande is not action-man, and his presence on the scene in Toulouse inevitably was one of passive observer. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

French Shocked by Jewish School Shooting

Staff / Truthdig Mar 20, 2012 There are potential connections to killings earlier this month, and the general sociocultural climate and the context of the current presidential campaign offer other possible explanations, but the French were left with a big tragedy and something of a mystery after three children and a rabbi were slain outside an Orthodox Jewish school in Toulouse on Monday. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Can Europe’s Left Rebound?

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Mar 19, 2012 The question is whether 2012 will mark a comeback by a left invigorated by a growing unhappiness with rising economic inequalities and a backlash against austerity policies aimed at saving Europe's common currency. (Pictured, British Labour Party leader Ed Miliband.) Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Sarkozy Slapped With the Ultimate French Slight

Staff / Truthdig Mar 12, 2012 French President Nicolas Sarkozy has already famously been called "Sarko the American," but the campaign team behind his challenger François Hollande (pictured) found another brand of international insult to toss at the incumbent and see if it sticks in time to do damage at the polls in April. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The French Aren’t Thrilled With Their Presidential Candidates Either

William Pfaff / Truthdig Mar 7, 2012 The Socialist Francois Hollande is running ahead of President Nicolas Sarkozy in a contest that has more to do with personal character than issues. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )