In the world of post-truth (a word that has just made it into the English dictionary) where the "establishment" is condemned, experts denigrated and polls give false predictions, politics have become increasingly unstable.

The election of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States has caused tremors throughout the world. In Europe his victory has been greeted with dismay and anxiety. There are fears that his election will be followed by a surge of support for right-wing elements.

In France, where a presidential election will be held next year, Marine Le Pen, the leader of the right-wing National Front, has gained support among French voters who are troubled by Muslim immigrants and disillusioned with the European Union.