Philip Stephens
Author and journalist Philip Stephens is Associate Editor of the Financial Times. As chief political commentator he writes twice-weekly columns on global and British affairs. He was named Political Journalist of the Year in the 2008 British Press Awards.
A hope for some and a bogeyman for others. The socialist favorite for the May 6 presidential election has launched a debate on an alternative economic policy in Europe. But to deliver on his pledge for growth, he will have to adapt to the realities of the market economy, writes the Financial Times. 
The solidarity that has always been at the heart of the European project is based upon hard-headed self interest. For the union to survive the current crisis, it needs to relearn this simple principle. 
With the 6 May general election, Britain looks likely to vote out a New Labour party exhausted by thirteen years in power. But neither the Conservatives, nor the dark horse Liberal Democrats seem to have a coherent game plan.