Ahead of parliamentary elections widely expected to deliver gains to the hard right, European leaders can barely conceal their anxiety. What is power in contemporary Europe, and how should it be exercised by the European Union? Mr. Macron answered in princely fashion, showing awareness of both the finite nature of every political community — Europe is “mortal,” he said — and its cyclical vulnerability to crisis. Mr. Macron brushed aside the many Europeans who feel the bloc is aloof and inaccessible, describing their disenchantment as a result of “false arguments.” The dismissal was no aberration. This exclusion has changed the contours of the European landscape, paving the way for the radical right.

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Persons: Emmanuel Macron, Lorenzo de ’ Medici, Machiavelli, ” Machiavelli, Macron, ”, — Organizations: European Union Locations: Europe, France, Florentine Republic, European