The man who would be king

The Man Who Would Be King

The French Revolution, though violent and transformative, has long stood as a stark reminder for ambitious rulers and dictators alike. It remains a powerful lesson in how quickly authority can unravel when the people rise.

Greetings from France, a nation perennially in crisis. Yet this state of turmoil, combined with its renowned cuisine, graceful women, and magnificent museums like the Louvre, explains why I cherished living here for a decade and still return often.

The Perpetual French Dilemma

Today’s tension feels uniquely French—complicated and difficult to decipher. In essence, the government spends too freely, and the nation’s entrenched political factions are locked in endless disagreements over taxation and fiscal reforms.

The main political forces—President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance, the conservative Les Républicains, and a vocal left-wing bloc—prefer to guard their influence rather than compromise. Their alignment, intentional or not, primarily serves to prevent the far-right National Rally from gaining ground.

Royal Turmoil Beyond France

While France wrestles with its own disputes, much of the world’s attention has drifted northward. In Britain, a royal reckoning continues as King Charles III decisively removed his brother from public duties and privileges.

“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.”

Reflections

From Paris to Windsor, power—whether political or royal—remains fragile and subject to the same human flaws of pride, excess, and denial.

Author’s summary: A reflection on France’s chronic political discord and Britain’s royal upheaval, capturing Europe’s recurring struggle between tradition and accountability.

The Berkshire Eagle — 2025-11-10