🎧 What’s Next for France and Italy?

Episode summary: As we wait for a Brexit deal or no deal, we discuss what the next year might hold for French and Italian politics. What are Macron’s prospects as he heads towards the next presidential election? Has Giorgia Meloni replaced Matteo Salvini as the leader of the Italian far right? And what chance of a return to political normalcy in either country? With Lucia Rubinelli and Chris Bickerton. Talking Points: The Italian public is fed up with Brexit—there isn’t much public debate about it. - Salvini is still playing with the idea that leaving the EU is a good idea, but not as seriously now. - All the signals from the government suggest that Italy is lining up with Macron, but they aren’t trying to play a central role. There are particular issues that affect different member states. The broader European unity is now being tested on certain key issues. - The Irish are particularly affected by no deal. - For France, the most important issue is probably the level playing field. Fishing also has a powerful symbolic…