The French newspaper - socialistic (4)
I believe the answer is:
left
'socialistic' is the definition.
('left' is associated in meaning with 'socialistic')
'the french newspaper' is the wordplay.
'the french' becomes 'le'.
'newspaper' becomes 'ft'.
'le'+'ft'='LEFT'
(Other definitions for left that I've seen before include "Facing north, it's the side toward the west" , "walk-out?" , "political grouping" , "Gone away - remaining" , "One < side" .)