The author flips the 'illiberal democracy' frame by arguing Macron practices 'undemocratic liberalism': liberal, technocratic aims pursued while downplaying democratic accountability and parliamentary consent. He ties this to France’s current crisis—serial prime‑minister resignations and minority governance—rooted less in constitutional design than in a leadership style that sidelines deliberative checks.
— This reframes how elites can erode democratic legitimacy even while defending liberal norms, expanding the vocabulary for assessing governance beyond populist 'illiberalism.'
Michael Behrent
2025.09.25
100% relevant
François Bayrou’s unprecedented confidence‑vote loss and resignation, Barnier’s earlier fall, and Macron’s repeated PM changes despite lacking a parliamentary majority.
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