Democracy is “hard work” and must not be taken for granted, said Barack Obama during his farewell visit to Europe last week. Last week, Juppé was forced to reject comparisons with the US election. Pollsters say the “no” campaign, led by the anti-establishment Five Star movement (M5S), is benefiting from a “Trump effect”. Germany has elections, too, next year, which if she stands again, Merkel will be expected to win. With Obama no longer around to defend the west’s liberal democratic order, Merkel could be the last woman standing.

Source: The Guardian November 19, 2016 22:00 UTC