Rubbish in Paris, rules in Brussels

SPRING in Paris was not quite the same with the strikes and protests. Even if I did not get caught up by the marches nor get gassed in the streets, the famous sidewalk cafes were less idyllic with uncleared rubbish along the avenues.

The issue that triggered the anger is more than the details about the financial viability of national pensions from age 62, or President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to circumvent a parliamentary vote and just push through the measure by decree – as is allowed by the French Constitution.

Rationality and legalistic arguments are not always valued in the streets, especially given the Parisian record with revolutions. Some believe the president will tough it out. Others predict the Macron administration will be wounded, while the far-right faction of Marine Le Pen gains ground. If so, there are implications for leadership in the European Union (EU) and its tone of engagement.