impotence

Now that it is in our face with construction plans for a gaudy ballroom for the elites, as food assistance for hungry children is threatened, Republicans’ faint criticism is even more deafening in its impotence.

In the words of veteran political commentator Nicolas Baverez: "At this critical moment, when the very sovereignty and freedom of France and Europe are at stake, France finds itself paralysed by chaos, impotence and debt."

The truth is that the prime minister is in a position of almost total impotence – running a government with no majority in parliament, which could fall at any minute if the opposition groups so decide.

“We found evidence. And now they tell us it is not the case. One feels a great sense of impotence.”

That’s as much a reflection of his potency as a communicator as it is the Democratic Party’s impotence.