Setback for far right in France

In a significant relief for Europe and the global community, the outcome of France’s snap election has halted the far right’s advance. Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s success in sidelining Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, the leftist New Popular Front’s (NFP) rise has fragmented the political landscape. As France gears up for the Paris Olympics, the prevailing instability is ill-timed. While the NFP’s economic vision promises substantial public spending funded by wealth taxes, their potential governance might be hampered by coalition dynamics. Nonetheless, France’s rejection of the far right underscores its commitment to democratic values, providing a global beacon of liberty, equality and fraternity. The poll verdict, while averting a geopolitical shift towards Le Pen’s policies, necessitates stable governance. Amid this political turbulence, the safeguarding of democratic principles remains a heartening triumph.

Gurdev Singh, by mail

Farmers left in the lurch

Refer to the editorial ‘MSP promise unmet’; despite the Punjab Government’s efforts, it has failed to procure moong dal at the minimum support price (MSP), leaving farmers in the lurch. Left with no choice but to sell their produce below the MSP, the growers have been put under great financial strain; it also undermines crop diversification and soil health initiatives. Moong dal enriches soil and conserves groundwater. But the dominance of private players in the market exacerbates farmers’ hardships. The government must formulate comprehensive procurement schemes, set up more purchase centres and create accredited warehouses to prevent distress sales.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Net loss for Punjab’s farmers

The much-hyped moong procurement scheme in Punjab has turned out to be a dud. Despite the fanfare, the government has failed to purchase moong from the state mandis. Private players are exploiting farmers, buying the crop at around Rs 500 to 700 per quintal below the MSP. The result? Farmers are suffering losses, with over 99 per cent of the produce being traded at rates lower than the MSP. The government’s apathy is staggering, especially given the success of the crop diversification plan. Though the highest-ever moong yield this year has mitigated some losses, the authorities’ failure to address the issue is unacceptable. It is time for the administration to step up and ensure fair prices for farmers. The fate of Punjab’s agricultural sector depends on it.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Biden must bow out of race

Apropos of the news report ‘Won’t drop out of race, Biden tells Democrats’; desperate to remain in power, US President Joe Biden is ignoring the chorus of Democratic voices calling on him to step aside. But the Democrats must read the writing on the wall and replace him at the top of the ticket with Vice-President Kamala Harris at the earliest opportunity. The result of the upcoming presidential election would have far-reaching consequences for the US and the world. It is a make-or-break moment for the Democratic Party. Biden is just lying to his party when he says that he is the right candidate to take on Donald Trump in the November 5 elections.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

SAD has failed its voters

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the only regional party in Punjab, has failed to live up to the expectations of Punjabis. With its downfall, SAD has ceded space to right-wing extremists in the state. Punjab is yearning for development. More institutes of higher learning and hospitals need to be set up to that end. Fresh policies to overhaul healthcare and infrastructure, diversification in agriculture and a robust industry are the need of the hour. For how long will state residents remain content with freebies? Free electricity supply and ration are not enough to win over the public anymore. Most importantly, the law and order situation needs to be improved.

Ravi Kumar, Amritsar

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