Emmanuel Macron is one of the most fascinating and infuriating figures in 21st century politics. Seven years ago, the philosopher-statesman shredded France’s status quo by seizing the presidency at the helm of a brand new centrist party. But his achievements, at home and abroad, have not lived up to his grand visions and his summer election gamble has left him weaker than ever. Ian tells Dorian a dramatic story of idealism, ambition and hubris, explaining what Macron’s strengths and flaws reveal about the changing face of centrism, the battle with the far right and what makes French politics so very French. Sacre bleu! Origin Story will be live at the Tabernacle in London on the 7th of November for a special post-US election show. Tickets here. Get exclusive extras like supporter-only Q&A editions when you back Origin Story on Patreon. Reading List Revolution by Emmanuel Macron, Scribe 2017 Emmanuel Macron: Revolution Francais by Sophie Pedder, Bloomsbury 2018 Written and presented by Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Simon Williams. Music by Jade Bailey. Art by Jim Parrett. Logo by Mischa Welsh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices