This is why right-wing populist Marine Le Pen’s victory is conceivable

Paris Emmanuel Macron looks on with anticipation at the royal court at Versailles. And behind it rises the magnificent facade of the Baroque palace, where the French kings once resided. Every few minutes, limousines pass through the Golden Gate to the plaza from which top EU politicians climb. For each guest, the Republican Guard Music Corps plays a brass bang.

Macron shakes hands, hugs and kisses. The President of the Republic before the judiciary. Before Macron disappeared behind the castle walls, he paused in front of the cameras and warned: “Europe must change,” the time has come to make “historic decisions” and “greater independence for Europe.”