The Intelligence from The Economist

Bet noir: Macron’s electoral gamble backfires

Marine Le Pen’s far-right party made great gains in the first round of <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/06/30/a-crushing-blow-for-emmanuel-macrons-centrist-alliance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">France’s parliamentary election</a>. The left did too. We ask what this means for France and President Emmanuel Macron. Thailand will soon <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/06/20/thailand-legalises-same-sex-marriage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">legalise same-sex marriage</a>, but in other areas, democratic freedoms are being threatened (10:20). And <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2024/06/14/the-secret-to-taking-better-penalties" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">penalty shoot-outs are agony</a> for players, coaches and spectators. Can technology help (16:20)?  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</a> For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.

Get a daily burst of illumination from The Economist’s worldwide network of correspondents. Our reporters dig past the headlines to get to the stories beneath—and to stories that aren’t making headlines, but should be. A unique perspective on the issues and events shaping your world. Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ at <a href="www.economist.com/podcastsplus-intelligence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.economist.com/podcastsplus-intelligence</a>. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> at <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts</a>