Macron’s pension reform deepens France’s democratic crisis

Emmanuel Macron’s decision to implement an unpopular pension reform without a vote in parliament has prompted a wave of protests to be held across France. Philippe Marlière writes that with Macron now seriously weakened and Marine Le Pen waiting in the wings, the decision could have lasting consequences for French democracy. Continue reading Macron’s pension reform deepens France’s democratic crisis

Illegal immigration: cracking down on smuggling makes gangs more organised – and costs migrant lives

David Suber discusses the latest UK government’s illegal migration bill, which aims to tackle the rise in small boat Channel crossings by removing anyone who arrives in the UK without permission to enter. The bill is in committee stage, but critics have argued that the focus should be on cracking down on smuggling gangs. Continue reading Illegal immigration: cracking down on smuggling makes gangs more organised – and costs migrant lives