The first street protests against Emmanuel Macron’s proposed labor market reforms have been underwhelming. Several major unions stayed away. Estimates of the turn-out varied—from 223,000, according to fairly reliable police figures, to 500,000, according to the CGT, France’s biggest union, which called for the march. Whatever the real number, French unions are divided, and this helps Macron’s reform efforts. This …

With China’s decision to phase out gas- and diesel-fuelled vehicles, the end is nearer for the internal combustion engine. For their nation to reap the full benefits of this revolution, Chinese leaders will need to continue to be bold. Nations that account for almost 80 percent of the world auto market are now planning or considering plans to end over …

Catalonia’s separatist leaders say they will declare independence from Spain within 48 hours of victory in the independence referendum they’ve called for October 1. Spain’s highest court has ruled the referendum unconstitutional, and the government is determined to disrupt the ballot. A toxic combination of festering frustrations, nationalist myth, and mismanagement by Madrid has brought Spain to this point. Climbing …