As I wandered through Paris over the past few months, it became increasingly evident that the City of Light is not merely a showcase of art and culture but a reflection of profound political and social unease. The grandeur of the Paris 2024 Olympics, intended to celebrate international camaraderie and joy, instead highlighted the country’s struggles with security, political paralysis, and growing public anxiety. For Australia, the unfolding drama in France is a potent reminder of the complex interplay between national security, governance, media influence, and the consequences of shifting too far to the left of the political spectrum.

Paris Under Siege: The Heavy Hand of Security

During the Olympics, Paris felt more like a fortress than a festival.

The streets, usually bustling with the vibrancy of international visitors and the sounds of celebration, were instead dominated by an overwhelming presence of gendarmes. It was a sight that felt almost dystopian: vast swathes of Paris, once lively and free-flowing, were now choked with security barricades and patrolled by heavily armed officers.

In some areas, there seemed to be more security personnel than spectators, a testament to the sheer scale of the operation. Major roads were frequently shut down, turning the city into a labyrinth of detours and closures. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, usually symbols of Parisian charm, were enveloped in a cocoon of vigilance and restraint. The festivity and excitement of the Games, a showcase of global unity and athletic prowess, were overshadowed by an air of suspicion and control.

This heavy-handed approach to security was driven by real fears – namely, the threat of terrorism, a concern intensified by France’s significant migrant intake and related challenges with social cohesion. The government’s response reflected a desire to prevent any incidents that might mar the international spectacle, yet it also highlighted the precarious balance between safety and freedom. As the city grappled with these security measures, a palpable tension emerged: while the Olympics were meant to be a celebration, the atmosphere was increasingly defined by a sense of surveillance and constraint.

The Political Labyrinth: A Nation in Paralysis

The recent elections have further compounded the sense of crisis. France now faces a fractured Parliament plunging the country into political gridlock.

President Emmanuel Macron, once a symbol of centrist stability, now finds himself entangled in a web of conflicting demands. With no parliamentary majority to rely on, he may be forced to cut deals with NUPES – the left-wing coalition comprising La France Insoumise, the Socialists, and the Greens.

These groups advocate for policies such as increased public spending, higher taxes, and enhanced labour protections, all of which could strain France’s fragile economy. La France Insoumise, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, pushes even more radical reforms, including public sector expansions, nationalisations, and pension overhauls, potentially causing further economic strain and inefficiencies.

This growing sense of ideological extremism, coupled with practical failures, has fuelled anxiety among the French people, who fear for their jobs, savings, and way of life. The streets are filled with discontent over rising costs and increasing taxes, reflecting a deepening disconnect between the government and its citizens.

The Media’s Grip: Fear and Inaction

Something else I’ve noticed whilst in Paris is a deep-rooted fear among France’s centre-right politicians – a fear of being dragged through the mud by the media. This fear has led to a kind of paralysis. Instead of taking bold steps on tough issues like immigration or economic reform, they play it safe, retreating into a corner and letting the far left and far right dictate the terms of the debate. The result? A void where strong leadership should be – a void filled by louder, more extreme voices.

This should be a wake-up call for Australia. The danger of letting media narratives shape policy, rather than facts and good governance, is very real. If our own politicians, particularly those on the centre-right, become too cautious, afraid of what the headlines might say, we could end up in a similar quagmire. A democracy without courage is a democracy in trouble. Courageous leadership must overcome media pressures to ensure pragmatic and effective solutions.

Australia, Look to France: The Cost of Indecision and Concessions

Australia stands on the brink of its own political crossroads, facing a challenge that mirrors recent experiences in France. As the Australian Labor Party increasingly relies on the Greens and other left-leaning parties to pass legislation, there’s a real risk of the government being pulled too far to the left, causing fear and division among Australians. Key issues such as climate policy, housing, and social reform could become battlegrounds where radical demands overshadow pragmatic policymaking.

The Labor Party has already been falling into the trap of virtue signalling policies designed more to showcase moral values or gain public approval rather than achieve substantial outcomes. For example, ambitious climate targets can lead to resource wastage if not supported by realistic, clear, actionable plans that secure cheap and reliable energy.

Similarly, increasing migrant and refugee intake without adequate integration plans such as adequate housing, healthcare, and social services – can lead to overstretched resources and insufficient support systems. This exacerbates challenges rather than solves them, as the resources spent on symbolic gestures could have been better invested in creating effective support structures.

Ultimately, for the Labor Party to truly advance its agenda and address pressing challenges, it must focus on concrete, actionable policies rather than merely appearing virtuous.

What I’ve seen in Paris these past months is a country adrift, a government struggling to keep its footing on shifting sands. Macron’s France serves as a cautionary tale – a reminder that leadership requires more than just navigating politics; it requires a vision, a backbone, and a commitment to the core values that unite a nation.

As Australia watches from across the globe, it would be wise to heed France’s lessons. We cannot afford to let our government fall into the same traps of indecision, fear, virtue-signalling policies, and endless concessions. The stakes are too high, the consequences too great.