The increases in food prices (added to other factors) are disrupting political decision-making in Europe. Prices have increased too much at too fast a pace. Governments can hardly rely any more on the virtues of the free market to explain to their electorates why they (electorates, that is) need to exercise patience.

People know that the main reasons for what is happening have nothing to do with how brilliantly or otherwise the free market can perform. Putin’s war in the Ukraine – and prior to it the Covid pandemic – had nothing much to do with the free market... Except for the rule that when something becomes scarce, its price will surely climb high.

The free market has nothing to say about how such a problem can be solved without people having to be told they must carry heavier burdens, which would then encourage them to vote against whoever happens to be in government.

In past decades, there has been no precedent for a situation in which people do not only worry about expensive food but also about whether there might not be enough food to go around.

Which is perhaps why the statements being made by European governments of different kinds sound rather confused.

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THE PAIN IN PARIS

French President Emmanuel Macron has only himself to blame for the pain endured in Paris when the results of the legislative elections were announced. These determined the composition of the French Parliament which will approve or vote down the President’s proposals. During the first five years of his tenure, Macron had the support of the absolute majority of MPs and could do as he pleased.

Not any more. The left finally got together in an alliance that made sense. And the extreme right secured seats that in number reflect the support they actually have across the country.

Up to now, Macron’s strategy always seemed to be one that sought to place him directly in sole confrontation with the extreme right. He reckoned that on this basis, all those who were against the extreme right would from left to right rally to vote for him. This approach served him well during his first presidential mandate.

But now the extreme right has gained a parliamentary presence that it never had in the past while the left has united in order not to remain emarginated. Macron can no longer act as sole driver.

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THE BATTLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

The government is losing the battle for the environment. That’s a pity for it is winning battles on quite a number of other fronts. But the environment remains a major area of public concern and its defence cannot – should not – be downplayed.

It is difficult to explain why this is happening. Is it the result of indifference? Lack of commitment? A whirl of internal conflicts of interest which are running out of control? Inattention? Developers who have a grip on politicians?

Some say: What counts are the elections. And no election has yet been won or lost because of the environment.

That’s an empty argument.  The point hardly is whether elections are due shortly or later. The point is that people’s minds are getting focussed on the claim that the destruction of the environment could end up destroying their lives. To calm them down when they do really believe the claim, will it be enough to tell them that big gardens are being built in urban centres? I doubt it.