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A French perspective:
Election or rejection?
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by Nadine Sellers, Unknown News
March 12, 2007
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Today I put my X on the expatriate voter registry from my Consulate. I respectfully
declined to vote for any of the candidates offered on the near horizon. Five year terms
are a responsibility which I am not informed enough to assume. Four years and another
round have been too much of an encore for me in this adoptive land, I would not dare
impose my opinion on ground which I seldom visit.
Contrary to sadly misinformed patrons of the conventional American media, the U.S. is not
the only country in the midst of pre-election confusion. France has a platter full of
tough and tender morsels of possibilities, although the spectrum of candidates is far
narrower, so far limited to eight interesting prospects out of 25 declared contestants.
The surface of the territory may be restricted, but the political density seems as thick
as ever.
Why should France, a country the size of Texas plus a couple of Oklahoma counties,
matter?
France is geographically the westernmost cultural entrenchment of the Gauls. Add to that
the Franks to the North-East, have bounced back and forth between the Germanic invaders
since Charlemagne. Read the yo-yo history of Alsace and Lorraine, the coal industry
journals of the last two wars, and you may surmise that the French have become a resistant
political strain through serial invasions by the Huns and the Visigoths at one time or
another since Roman armies marched across Lutecia before it was named Paris. Add the
Moors' push from the South, the English from the Northwest. By land or by sea; one cannon
at a time from the Alps to the Atlantic. Collective regional spirit fostered a fiercely
protective individualism. This transpires in their current foreign relations. The favorite
sport still is café politics, right after football and striking. That's one way to get a
bunch of individualists together!
France seems to be the only nation to have openly refused a blanket constitution for the
European community -- others align in various disagreement, of course. Holland and
Britain hold misgivings, as oftentimes in history one political body has to take the front
line of negation. Here! You tell them! We'll watch. The country still is a major
player in the G8, for its steady productivity and international role, but France no longer is a dominant
financial power. In the last 25 years it has plunged from a proud second place to a mere
17th. Now severely indebted, it swims fiercely upstream.
On a global scale, French is one of the two working languages of the United Nations.
English is the other.
France, along with China, Russia, the United Kingdom and United States, are the permanent
members of the UN Security Council. Each holds veto power, as France demonstrated in 2002
against resolution 1441, when the French threatened to veto the invasion of Iraq.
Hindsight demonstrates the weakness of the post. Despite a flagrant mocking by the US
Administration, the country recovered promptly from its firm stand against the Iraq
invasion.
Changing the name of french fried potatoes to freedom fries did not affect the gourmet industry
either. For several years, I was asked not to reveal my nationality at my place of public
work for fear of animosity from conservative patrons. It became my duty to demonstrate the
innate right to cultural diversity, and the advantages of difference.
La Femme Politique: the Gender Gap
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Segolene Royal, 54-year-old president of the regional council of the Poitou-Charente
district, offers her candidacy for Presidente de la Republique under the masthead of the
PS. (Parti Socialiste). The new gender in the arena. A thin, energetic figure, she talks to
the people, travels well and looks good. Is that it? She smiles, wears white
jackets, and makes a lot of promises that make perfect rhetorical sense.
Yet there is a
possible gap between idealism and application. Numbers speak of the novelty appeal; fresh
out of the stables, 60% favorable, that was encouraging! Now plummeting between new stars
arising on the firmament of voter heaven, she still leads in the polls but may take a
small tumble alongside her main rival, for under-declaring the value of her vacation home.
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A little mud on both top contenders may only increase their appeal. Acrobatic mathematics
are not new on the election front.
Royal, affectionately called "Sego," has made wise choices in the recent past: She has
visited the second-in-command of the Chinese government, her candidacy preventing her access to
top rank. As a not-yet head of state, she followed protocol and indicated respect for
procedural order in foreign relations. She recently praised China for its human relations
improvements. A skill not to be underestimated, when so many suffer from the hegemonic
behavior of powerful governments which run over established conventions, and incur
dangerous global disrespect.
As a mother and woman, Segolene, partner of François Hollande, vows to rectify the
proverbial Fraternity toward a Sorority status. She introduces rights of the unemployed to
professional training after six months, fighting precarious part-time employment. Raising
the monthly minimum wage to 1,500 euros within five years. That equals to a 3.7% annual raise
from the present 1,254 Euros ($1,960). The French hour minimum wage was 6.67 Euros ($8.75)
in 2001, which was hiked to 8.27 Euros ($10.85) in 2006 under Chirac's second term (4.4%).
Segolene also presents another popular idea; giving a flat 10,000 Euros ( $13,100) to each
youth for induction into formal professional training and insertion into society. But
where-o-where shall this bonus come from? Idealism and socialism stretched so thin, the
numbers may sink her good premises.
The lady has given much thought to the introduction of health care reform. She suggests
the construction of rural cliniques for immediate needs. Free contraception. She holds
moral high ground on ecological concerns; no construction permits for housing without
ecologic feasibility. Clean water, renewable energy, the language is indeed correct, but the
application would be more difficult, of course.
The idea of a female head of state is tempting. There have been the Thatchers and
Merkles, the Queens and congresswomen, iron ladies and velvet gloves, Condoleezza and
Hillary; it is good, it is overdue, but the French want efficiency as well as fair
representation. The educated and the needy wish for strength as well as flexibility.
Segolene and Hilary would make great competing allies and may be wise to learn from each
other. Speculus, speculum?
Aim to win
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Nicolas Sarkozy is presently minister of the interior and territories, from the UMP
party (Union Pour un Movement Populaire) of which he also is president -- multi-tasking all
over the French map in his pursuit of power. Small of stature, wise of nature; Nicolas,
the man is a 52-year-old experienced politician. He knows all the moves and will not
accept defeat.
He is accused of running his campaign "American style." For the uninitiated,
that means with much more fanfare than considered
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acceptable in proper circles. The use of
ads and caucus size meetings, photo-ops and grand televised promotion deter the modest and
the meek. Nothing deters "Sarko".
His numbers usually run abreast or slightly under those of Segolene, and his personae
overwhelms more timid candidates. He has been on the tail of President Chirac for many a
position, this is his call and the people are lining up behind his intimate knowledge of
inner governance. The man has connections and a good grasp of the European community, if not
necessarily a perfect understanding. And foremost, he has the will to succeed. He has
weathered the grave mistakes he made in relations with immigrant populations, something
like the 'N' word factor in the halls of American politics. The leader of hard French
thought retains an apparent sense of fairness. He can dance in parlance, though he
appears as rigid as Napoleon. Grace not required for job application. And he knows the job
description, as he practically rewrote it.
Marked by a strong decision-making ability, Sarkozy has no problem stating his
preferences. Zero tolerance for urban violence ( what about rural turbulence?), free
choice of retirement age, a sort of retirement à la carte. Civil union for homosexuals (no marriage or adoption!). Voting rights for foreign residents in local elections.
Limiting presidential power while increasing that of parliament, that's a clever move
ahead of elections.
Sarkozy suffers from the same vacillating problems which plague stateside politicians.
Although he did not support the invasion outside of UN approval, in Sept 2006 he
denounced French arrogance on the subject. Then, in Jan 2007, he praised Chirac for bringing
honor to France when the French President had opposed the war. Have we seen this scenario
somewhere? Chided by the right, distrusted by the left, Sarkozy sure looks good alongside
Bush in the glossy promos.
Simone Veil, the Grande Dame of French politics, has suddenly joined the Sarkozy campaign
in an attempt to offset the inexorable climb of François Bayrou in the polls. As a former
minister of health
she has considerable clout. She held the number two post in the Balladur government when
Sarkozy was spokesperson, and she recently was President of the European Parliament. She
does not hide her enmity toward Bayrou which dates back to 1989 when he, the farmer, became
the Parisian magistrate's campaign manager. He brought her only an 8% popularity, that
displeased the formidable feminist icon so much that she now has changed her party
affiliation to help the opposing candidate to shake the runner up and the lady.
Bayroumania
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François Bayrou, under the UDF flag, paints himself as a grand Democrat. The self-professed Centrist writes or improvises his own speeches. The fifty-six-year-old, married
father of six, holds a PhD in classic literature and is a respected author. He is also a horse
breeder who is financially independent from government or lobbying influence. The Southern
France native is a former minister of education who believes in the non-violent movement.
He aligns himself with Christian Democrats.
Bayrou surrounds himself with smart counsel. His campaign manager is Mireille de Sarnez.
The chief supporter of his candidacy is a journalist and constant companion on tour,
Philippe Lapousterle. A serious student of Middle-East
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policy, Lapousterle is a virtuous
meteorologist -- he smells the prevailing winds and stirs the good ship in the direction of
receptive political climates. The totally unassuming man once studied Political Science
under Jacques Chirac. He has been a foreign correspondent for French TV, then chief of
information for the French edition of Lebanese television. Both Lapousterle and Bayrou share a profound love
of books and of the land. The comprehensive team cooperation may, in part, be responsible
for to the rising appeal of this candidate who threatens to distance the head whippets in
this race.
As for interior policy, Bayrou proposes the return of voluntary overtime. He advocates
giving priority to the national debt, rather than reducing taxes. Wants mandatory
community service for first offenders. Wishes to impose taxes to ascertain that to pollute
is more expensive than to have clean industry. Bayrou is a proponent of strong incentives
for renewable energies.
This candidate is a supporter of a federal Europe. He favors enlarging the European
Community, with the inclusion of Mediterranean states, plus the Ukraine. Although he is
opposed to Turkey joining in, he is open to dialog there. He favors the creation of a post
of minister of immigration which would facilitate supervision of integration and education
within the nation. Also suggests full cooperation with countries of origin to ensure
co-development in order to reduce the porosity of the frontiers.
Jean-Marie Le Pen -- holding onto a bone in modern times
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The perennial presidential candidate, Jean-Marie Le Pen, holds a stout number four in
this race for prestige. He stands as a bastion of fierce protectionism. He has had a
difficult time trying to gather the necessary 500 mayoral sponsors for the primaries, but as
Marine Le Pen says "He has a chance!" A mature man, he has made his reputation in the
political arena by intrusion in the far right underground of disgruntled native workers.
The heavily populated area of Marseilles is his main turf.
As sunny as it is on the
Mediterranean sea, the southern ports of France suffers from social saturation of North
African immigrants. They
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access the country via its more or less legal boats and find work
in the shipping docks and related industries. Staunchly nationalistic, Le Pen always takes
pride in his xenophobic stance. He does not send mixed messages, nor does he try to delude his
fervent followers. He keeps his culture at home. None would accuse him of sitting on the
proverbial fence, he
is the fence. He would build a legal wall around the patriotic plot and imprison the
natives in rigid parameters.
Much of Le Pen's rhetoric remains valid on the surface. He presents solid arguments, for
example his irrefutable claim that tension escalates in the poorer sectors of the country
is a fact of life, not only for France, but for all European communities. Does this sound
familiar? California or Riviera?. The classic scenario presented is that of post-war
nations which have employed exported labor to rebuild their torn cities, then found that
the laborers stayed and multiplied in the host country. The social clash happened when
developed economies became too attractive to undeveloped ones. The haves did not want to
share quite so much with the multitudinous darker strangers. The struggle at the bottom of
the hierarchy showed signs of dangerous stress. The septuagenarian is quick to remind us
that there is one billion whites and six billiob "others" -- he seems determined to preserve
the status quo at anybody's price.
Add religious factors, politicize the lot and the immigrant babies have grown mad. Now
whole generations of disadvantaged ingrates arise and burn the suburbs. Cars are set
aflame in the cities, and add to that, social unrest and medical emergencies. The divisive
elements are having a self-righteous picnic with Le Pen as Maitre d'. The man has a gift
for inflammatory speech and it may be surprising to note that he still brings on the
crowds. Fourth out of eight major contestants, he could run for French Idol! And he
believes once again that he will win. Perennial optimism must be nice!
The deeper premise used by the PMU party as a political football is that football is used
to promote group support of issues (like NASCAR in the American sports scene?). The
conversation invariably turns to globalism. People are on the move, in fact 34% of the
near seven billion on Earth migrate to escape poverty. As the cuckoo bird leaves its host
ruined or undernourished, the migrant population often endangers the social health of the
poorest in its adoptive area. But, no worry! The rich still get richer!
Le Pen also purports that the 187,000 immigrants found in France in 2006 crush the
individual identity of the acculturated populus. He proposes no double nationality, no
special privileges and an either/or stance toward foreigners. This may sound familiar to
the common party line American polarizer.
Some of the problems quoted will sound too close to the North American fear-monger bait,
the increasing victims of politicizing on both sides of the immigration issue. Le Pen
echoes the woes of all border countries. He points out that in France, 60% of the
incarcerated are foreign or bi-nationals. Urban security is threatened by young
immigrants. Violence and armed robberies are on the rise. Schools have become vessels of
antagonistic behavior. The man is not shy about blaming foreigners for native poverty.
Jean-Marie wants to declare war on false tourists and control arrival of asylum seekers
into the country.
As for foreign relations, Le Pen has often referred to the European Community as a great
jellyfish. This may be indicative of the diplomatic skills of a white-hooded statesman, but it does not augur well for the increasingly diverse European population. National
pride aside, why can't we just get along? (said someone once). Parties are condemned to
mutual impotence by the very cleavage of their polarized views. Europeanism, Atlantism or
Globalism? This scene plays itself in a wider analysis of the candidate's platforms.
Some details of J-M Le Pen's views present a divisive picture. He wants a return to
imposable frontiers between European countries, a come back of the Franc or other national
currency. and the formation of a Grand European Community of Christian Civilization. So, what
to do with the multimillion surplus of individuals classified as "other?" The end of
common international fishing rights (the fish must learn to swim in the proper schools!)
Voting privilege for citizens and descendants only. Bear in mind that these issues are
shared by a 10 to 14 plus approval rate, not a small minority.
On the green front, Le Pen appears correct. He favors keeping existing nuclear facilities
open while encouraging expansion of energy conservation. The current debate over nuclear
danger from aging plants does concern him sufficiently as he mentions a spate of nearly
one hundred minor accidents, "nothing is small when it involves unleashed science." The
candidate allows himself a jab at the President, as he asks, "Does a piece of paper create
reality?" Chirac, you see, has signed a global warming treaty, an edict that may not improve the air,
yet the French would reply, change begins in personal behavior. As for taxes, the man
favors withdrawing taxes on principal residences; and that is a truly socialistic move! The
middle class may be grateful for this one.
As for the rest ...
The following candidates from different parties will be discussed briefly, because the
very disparity makes this contest interesting. Too young, too green, too practical
perhaps for a world accustomed to corporate wealth rather than personal responsibility.
Fresh faces, widely diverging views, the theater widens. It may behoove us to watch where
the circus leads us. Less than six weeks to watch the polls swing and the plane even out.
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Marie-George Buffet has a smile any first grader would love. Wants a 32-hour work-week,
re-establishment of neighborhood police, automatic rights of prisoners to rehabilitation
toward social reinsertion. Zero tax on products of necessity (like cheese and soap, wine
and aspirin).
The lady knows current tendencies, she asks for a moratorium on genetically
engineered produce, no clones for France, and keep your bad seed away from there. On the
immigration front she advocates regularization for all illegals, (kindly called
sans-papiers, without papers), marriage and adoption rights for all. Marie-George deserves
a vote for effort in the polls.
Dominique Voynet, a younger, energetic blond, has a clear agenda: She supports a 4-day/32-hour work week,
the goal being to distribute the labor through a wider range of able bodies, therefore
reducing unemployment which is hovering around the 10% mark. Fight against hate crime,
support for local farmers, reduction of dependence on nuclear energy. Legalization of
cannabis, voluntary civil service, homosexual marriage and adoption. Full voting rights
for immigrants, alternatives to incarceration; a true leftist in the French sense.
Philippe de Villiers is an elegant, noble man, has a firm grip on political tendencies, and he
seems to favor national industry and small business. He proposes a hard line on crime. He
would create correction facilities for delinquents who live in overwhelmed families,
institute harsh penalties for first offenders and, understandably, enforce separation of
degrees of crime in order to avoid petty criminals contamination by seasoned ones.
The man
offers the idea of a national service, six months, with availability of personnel made to
fire stations, civilian security, and national and international humanitarian
organizations. How... noble! De Villiers also envisions a Europe of full
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cooperation in the
fields of energy, fight against mafias, terrorism, drugs. A big no on including Turkey in
the EU. And no no on gay marriage too, and while he's at it, a yes on chemical castration for
sexual criminals. That's all for now.
Lastly for the sake of not so brevity; a look at the 33-year-old in the ranks. Olivier
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Besancenot has a party of his own and a
surprisingly steady following of militants in tow.
His far-left agenda reads thus: 30-hour work week, immediate hike on monthly salary, no
overtime, and a salary maximum @ 4,500 euros (under $6,000). (What, no million-dollar bonus?)
Finally, retirement at 60, no tax on necessities, abolishment of the public debt, disarming of neighborhood cops, and prosecution of police misconduct. He also wants immediate
withdrawal of troops, abandonment of overseas territories, and lower contributions to
defense and NATO.
On a personal note he espouses Equal rights for
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homosexuals and heterosexuals.
He's for sharing of domestic duties (but how could that be enforced?), free abortion and contraception, full
voting rights for all, mandatory school till 18, and nationalizing private schools. No
genetically modified products, free public transport, and a full stop on nuclear activity.
Then, on the industrial plane, he's for
the declaration of nationalization of pharmaceuticals, and prohibition of noxious
products.
The ideology of Olivier Besancenot is strikingly correct from a human standpoint and
displays a hopeful rhetoric. It shines very very green. If this son of professors can
rally substantial support, he may create a revolutionary ripple in the status qui?
© by the author.
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Despite a flagrant mocking by the U.S. Administration, France recovered promptly from its firm stand against the Iraq invasion.
Changing the name of french fried potatoes to freedom fries did not affect the gourmet industry either.
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