Macron Locks in 6 Key Posts to Sabotage Far-Right Successor’s Power Grab
French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed a series of loyal allies to at least six key state positions that oversee security, justice, and intelligence, ensuring they will remain in their roles after the next presidential election specifically to block or slow down any far-right successor who wins the presidency [146859]. The strategy creates a permanent barrier that a new president cannot easily remove, effectively "weatherproofing" France against radical policy changes [146859]. Critics argue this move undermines democratic choice by lashing the state apparatus to Macron’s centrist vision even if voters elect a far-right candidate [146859]. The impact of these locked-in appointments will be tested in next year’s election, as the far-right candidate would face a state apparatus openly hostile to their agenda [146859].
Meanwhile, international media highlight a rising global trend supporting populist right-wing parties, with Australian Senator Pauline Hanson openly admiring former U.S. President Donald Trump and drawing comparisons to Britain’s Nigel Farage [146112]. Reports describe this shift as a "political shockwave," noting how Trump’s style and policies are reshaping mainstream politics across continents [146112].
In South Korea, the Seoul mayor race has exploded into a national proxy war between President Yoon Suk Yeol and his main rival, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung [111654]. Observers say the contest is no longer about local issues but is a direct battle for influence between the two national leaders, with the result widely seen as a major public verdict on both men years before the next presidential vote [111654].
In Wales, a political earthquake has struck as Plaid Cymru, the party pushing for independence from the UK, is set to form the Welsh government for the first time in its 100-year history [146212]. Supporters gathered outside the Senedd to celebrate the 43 newly elected members, with some politicians in tears as the crowd sang the Welsh national anthem, leaving the UK government in a tricky position [146212].
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