Much of Europe Is Losing the Ability to Govern
France is rocked, while Italy emerges as a surprise bastion of stability.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou after a weekly cabinet meeting in Paris.
Photographer: Stephane de Sakutin/AFP/Getty Images
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The Baron de Breteuil had the misfortune to be appointed chief minister of France three days before the storming of the Bastille, on July 14, 1789.