Political discourse in France is undergoing a shift with a reduced frequency of Anglicisms and a strategic use of prefixes, as observed in the language of the presidential party and its proponents. President Emmanuel Macron's use of 're-' words, such as 'réarmement' (rearmament), and the renaming of his party to 'Renaissance' from 'La République en Marche!' reflect a backward-looking promise of progress. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's preference for 'de-' words like 'désmicardiser' (to remove from the minimum wage bracket), 'débureaucratiser' (to reduce bureaucracy), and 'déverrouiller' (to unlock) suggests a conservative and liberal project of dismantling and regression, despite the appearance of clarity and renewal.

The murder of a 12-year-old girl named Lola in Paris has deeply affected France and sparked a political backlash from far-right politicians against President Emmanuel Macron's government over immigration policies. The main suspect, a 24-year-old woman, was under an order to leave France, which has fueled the debate. Far-right figures like Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour have used the incident to criticize the government, while officials like Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti have condemned the politicization of the tragedy. The National Rally has gained prominence in French politics, challenging Macron's centrism.

The Jewish community in Northern Ireland, established in 1870, faces a threat to its continuity due to Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol creating a new customs border in the Irish Sea. This has disrupted the supply of kosher food, essential for the community's religious practices. The community, which has dwindled to around 100 members, has struggled to find alternative sources for kosher food, with attempts to import from Manchester being blocked by new regulations. Despite efforts to negotiate with government officials and find logistical solutions, the community has faced significant challenges, including increased costs and administrative hurdles. The British government has been criticized for jeopardizing the Good Friday Agreement in its attempts to resolve the border situation. The situation remains precarious, with the community's future uncertain as they rely on temporary grace periods for importing kosher food.

The article discusses the rapid political rise of Emmanuel Macron, who, three years prior to the article, was relatively unknown. Now, he is on the cusp of becoming the President of France with his newly founded centrist party, En Marche!, which was established in April of the previous year. The journalist shares a personal encounter with Macron during a train ride on his campaign trail, describing his charismatic presence and the intense, piercing blue eyes that make people look away. Macron is portrayed as being in high spirits, buoyed by recent polls that show him leading over his rival, Marine Le Pen, suggesting a potential victory against the populist wave in France.

The article reports on the sentiment among factory workers in Calais, France, who have been affected by globalization and the presence of migrants. Many workers, facing job losses as factories close, are considering voting for Marine Le Pen, the far-right presidential candidate known for her anti-immigration and anti-EU stance. NPR's Frank Langfitt explores the reasons behind this shift, including the closure of an American chemical plant and the sale of a patent to China, which is seen as a betrayal by the workers. The article draws parallels between the situation in Calais and the industrial decline in places like western Pennsylvania, USA. It also touches on the broader context of populism in Western democracies, with recent events such as Brexit and Trump's election, as well as the defeats of populist candidates in Austria and the Netherlands.