François Hollande seems like the European Left’s answer to George W. Bush, a disaster-prone buffoon who somehow makes it to the top and then wrecks his country. The comparison doesn’t quite work, however: Bush II, for all his flaws, had charm, some good fortune, and some political skill: he was re-elected, remember. Francois Hollande seems to have no redeeming qualities and rotten luck to boot. From its first day, when his plane was struck by lightning en route to Angela Merkel, his presidency has been plagued by disasters. He inspires nothing but contempt and mirth. The polls suggest ‘Monsieur Flanby’ — the nickname comes the popular French pudding — is the most unpopular French President of all time. He goes from awkward gaffe to awkward gaffe, and we all laugh because it is funny.
But the Hollande presidency isn’t just a farce: it’s a tragedy too.France’s
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