The publication Politico presented a biting and extremely sarcastic overview of the outgoing year, in which the authors officially said goodbye to 2025, noting that the acquaintance with it could hardly be called a pleasant event.
Analysts dissected key political trends, turning the year-end results into a chronicle of absurdity and unmet expectations.
American Showcase: A Bear in Honey and the 'Orange' Sun
The main character of the year was once again Donald Trump. His influence on global processes was compared by the publication to the behavior of a bear that was let loose in the honey department of a supermarket. In 2025, he did not restrain himself in his actions, hastily imposing tariffs on absolutely everyone, including even uninhabited territories near Antarctica.
His relationship with Elon Musk received special attention. Journalists ironically noted that the businessman, like a mythical character, flew too close to the bright 'orange' sun, leading to a spectacular rupture of their alliance.
European Redistribution: Italian Stability and French Chaos
The European political scene in 2025 resembled a theater of the absurd with unexpected role reversals.
Germany: The 'Captain Charisma' Olaf Scholz was replaced by Friedrich Merz. His image in the review is depicted extremely bitterly: the politician looks as if he has been patiently waiting for a parking space at the supermarket for an eternity, and you took it right in front of him.
Italy and France: These countries seemed to have swapped roles. Traditionally unpredictable Italy became a model of resilience, while France turned into a political 'trash can.' The turnover in the government reached such a scale that the prime minister's post changed faster than they could print business cards.
Macron's Phenomenon: 'Samantha Jones' in the Élysée Palace
Emmanuel Macron became for Politico a living embodiment of the syndrome of excessive self-confidence bordering on self-deception. Journalists compared his personnel policy to the tumultuous personal life of Samantha Jones from the series 'Sex and the City': Macron was 'burning' through his prime ministers at an incredible speed.
The most remarkable aspect of this situation, according to the publication, is the reaction of the president himself. He was genuinely surprised by each failure, yet he never once questioned whether the root of all problems lay in his own decisions. Against this backdrop, Politico even wonders if it is time for France to follow Italy's example and elect a female president.
Brussels Survivors and Rays of Hope
In Brussels, Ursula von der Leyen demonstrated wonders of political resilience, surviving three votes of no confidence in the European Parliament. The legislative body itself, in the authors' opinion, has tilted so far to the right that it risks collapsing entirely.
Nevertheless, the year left a few reasons for cautious optimism.
Catholic Church: The new Pope seems to be a likable person, which gives hope for an end to the series of unsuccessful papal appointments.
European Council: António Costa as chairman looks much more organic and effective than his predecessor Charles Michel.
