In the EU, every leader becomes a monarch
The European Council hands leaders too much power
CORONATIONS HAVE taken many forms throughout European history. Spanish kings received a golden apple. French kings were doused in sacred oils from the Holy Ampulla in Reims. Napoleon went for a variation on a theme, oiling up and then crowning himself in the presence of a pope. Polish kings endured the alarming spectacle of waking up to an archbishop in their bedchamber on the big day.
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “A court of kings”
Europe October 23rd 2021
- Ukrainians are coping stoically with Russian aggression
- A small-town mayor takes on Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban
- Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the new hope of Spain’s right
- Olaf Scholz’s “traffic-light” coalition is taking shape
- Europe is in a muddle over ritual slaughter
- In the EU, every leader becomes a monarch
From the October 23rd 2021 edition
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