In a phase when right-wing forces are on the ascendant in India, the United States and in certain European countries, the victory of Emmanuel Macron, a former socialist, in France comes as relief to the liberal forces which espouse values of tolerance and multiculturalism (“The Centre holds,” editorial, May 9). The Fifth Republic, wobbling due to issues such as Islamophobia and unemployment, has opted for the centre when confronted with the far right.
Ashok Alex Luke,
Kottayam
Mr. Macron’s victory has been hailed by many as a victory of French liberalism when in fact it is more a loss of neo-fascism (“A triumph for French liberalism,” May 9). The people voted for Mr. Macron, yes, but they did so more to stop Marine Le Pen than because they had any trust in him. In fact, the record abstention number — between 25% and 27% — shows that a significant portion of the electorate was dissatisfied with having to choose between a capitalist and a far-right candidate.
Mr. Macron’s win may not have stopped the march of the far right but merely delayed it. If he decides to go forward with the neoliberal policies that he and others of his ilk have proposed, it will lead to even more dissatisfaction among the working class, which may drift towards the right.
Remus Noronha,
Kozhikode
That Mr. Macron will would defeat Ms. Le Pen was never in doubt. His victory, with all its positive implications for the survival of the European Union, has surely brought relief to the liberal world. However, daunting tasks lies ahead for him. Besides delivering on his promises, he needs to tackle the growing unrest among sections that feel sidelined.
Gregory Fernandes,
Mumbai
The results of the widely watched French presidential election will soothe the wounds caused by Brexit and make the European Union stronger. Keeping in with the global trend, the final race was between two anti-establishment political parties. The world will keenly watch how a young and inexperienced leader tackles issues like the refugee crisis and the terror threat. Nevertheless, the result is a huge morale booster for liberal parties in other European countries which are soon holding elections.
Paul Jom,
Palakkad
L’affaire Karnan
The saga of Calcutta High Court Judge C.S. Karnan and his judicial pronouncements has gone too far (“Karnan orders 5-year RI for CJI, 7 other SC judges,” May 9). By making an ego clash with Supreme Court judges look like an atrocity case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Justice Karnan has trivialised the battle for Dalit rights. Dalits continue to face severe discrimination which requires a concrete redressal mechanism. By fighting their personal battles with the help of a law meant to protect the rights of the downtrodden, people in high constitutional posts undermine the credibility of the movement for rights.
In a way, this episode is also comes across as a commentary on the ineffectiveness of collegium system, which allows promotion of people of questionable competence to such high posts.
Vinita Saxena,
New Delhi
