Weekly roundup Saturday 13 July
Paris’s young turned out to defend democracy
Weekly roundup of links to articles, reports, podcasts and other media on current political and economic issues in public policy.
Europe’s elections
It’s more complex than a straight rejection of the far right. In France it’s about age and de-industrialization. In the UK it’s about the weird outcomes of that country’s voting systems, and voters’ experience of austerity and Brexit. Iran too takes baby steps away from the far right. Pope Francis warns about the dangers of voter disengagement.
Australian politics
Political polls show Coalition support consolidating in Queensland. The Coalition’s poor Senate prospects. How political opportunism, misinformation, Labor Party inflexibility, and Dutton’s divisive style are fuelling sectarian division. The appeal of simple but ineffective “lock-em-up” approaches to youth crime. The Murdoch media directs its fury against a former Liberal Party prime minister.
Australia economics
The Liberal Party moves to the left of Labor, criticizing the government for its cosy relationship with the finance sector. Australian wages have reverted to their pre-Covid level, and won’t rise until productivity improves. In fact most Australians are doing ok, but journalists harp on about a “cost of living crisis” when the real problem is one of unshared sacrifice; the ABC is giving the Coalition a free kick. Stop worrying about the tax cuts stimulating inflation: people are saving them, not spending them.
Public ideas
Anne Applebaum and Malcolm Turnbull on resisting populist demagogues. The search for the public life. Ideas for Australian cities on transport, green space, and a right to housing.
Joyous French
If you have comments, corrections, or links to other relevant sources, I’d like to hear from you. Please send them to Ian McAuley — ian, at the domain name ianmcauley.com
