On France's surprise parliamentary election.

The left-wing 'New Popular Front' came a surprise first, for now putting a halt to expectations that the far-right Rassemblement National would soon enter government. We talk to political scientist and commentator Charles Devellennes, and ask:

What was Macron's gamble in calling this early election? 

Is becoming Prime Minister actually a bad thing for your future prospects?

Is the Left actually 'far left' and the Right 'far right'? Is Le Pen a fascist?

Did the Left actually save Macron? Why not an alliance between Left and Right against the centre?

Will France opt for the undemocratic 'Italian Solution' and appoint an unelected technocrat?

Can Macron's party and his style of rule survive Macron eventually being out of office?

Does the uncertainty mean France is back to the postwar 4th Republic? Is this continuity? Something new?

Links:

The Macron Régime: The Ideology of the New Right in France, Charles Devellennes