Are we at a political turning-point? After a recent wave of right-wing nationalism around the world, two elections this week have seen a surge of support for left-wing candidates.
Return of the Left in Colombia and France
Glossary
Left-wing alliance - For this year’s legislative elections, four French parties – France Unbowed, the Socialists, the Communists and the Greens – formed an alliance known as the New Ecologic, Social and People’s Union, or NUPES.
National Assembly - The lower house of the French Parliament, the equivalent of the House of Commons.
Gustavo Petro - A left-wing Colombian politician who was once a member of revolutionary militia M-19. He has previously served as mayor of Bogotá and as a senator.
Keynesianism - An economic theory formulated by British economic John Maynard Keynes. Keynesians favour government intervention in the economy to boost growth.
Augusto Pinochet - A brutal dictator who seized power in Chile in 1972 with US backing. He murdered, tortured and detained thousands of people.
Neoliberalism - An economic and political theory that maintains the government must be as small as possible. Neoliberals favour low public spending and private ownership in the economy.
National Rally - Formerly known as the National Front, the National Rally is a major far-right political party in France. It is accused of being racist and Islamophobic.
Marine le Pen - The leader of the National Rally who has sought to moderate its image and normalise its place in French politics.