Random thoughts on parliamentary democracy. 1. October 9th. Luxembourg’s parliament reopens after the summer recess as does Belgium’s senate. L’essentiel reports that 30% of the members have sat in parliament for over 15 years. A commentary on Belgian radio remarked that it...

The heat continues. The Times reported JPO’s latest dramatic act with the following headline: “JPO tells Speaker he considers himself in coalition with the government.” My first reaction was something to the extent of thinking that JPO can call the relationship whatever he...