French Presidential and Parliamentary Elections

[fluffybiscuits]

French presidential election is coming up (of which I have heard nothing what so ever in the media here in Ireland so just thought would put a few links up!)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_..._election_2012

That is just the basic background of it. As for the favourites Im not too sure there was an article the other day but I cant find the bloody thing!Does anyone have any info on who is leading?

[C. Flower]

French presidential election is coming up (of which I have heard nothing what so ever in the media here in Ireland so just thought would put a few links up!)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_..._election_2012

That is just the basic background of it. As for the favourites Im not too sure there was an article the other day but I cant find the bloody thing!Does anyone have any info on who is leading?

It's not Sarkozy, and it's not Strauss Kahn.

[fluffybiscuits]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15232383

Looks like its going to be Francois Hollande...

[Yojimbo]

Interesting article by Agnes Poirier in the Guardian today, it does look like Hollande is the 'safe' candidate. I think that eventually parties like the Socialists get tired of losing after a while and eventually start picking candidates with wider appeal, but it takes time.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...imaries-france

[fluffybiscuits]

Interesting article by Agnes Poirier in the Guardian today, it does look like Hollande is the 'safe' candidate. I think that eventually parties like the Socialists get tired of losing after a while and eventually start picking candidates with wider appeal, but it takes time.

http://<b>http://www.guardian.co.uk/...ies-france</b>

Hollande has the political clout, intellectual charisma, middle-of-the-road economic views, easy wit and gourmandise that befit a French president. Critics sneer at his "normality".

The normality may be just what they need to bring about a balance of power. France has been tilting to the right recently . With a bit of luck the new president will reverse the buqa ban also...

[TotalMayhem]

With a bit of luck the new president will reverse the buqa ban also...

And why would he? The ban on burqas received very strong public support in France.

[fluffybiscuits]

I didnt want to use this topic to discuss it TM so responded on here mate

http://www.politicalworld.org/showth...ighlight=burqa

[TotalMayhem]

Well, you used this thread, to express your wishes from the new French government. The burqa ban is not the issue, the question is, why would a presidential candidate attack a legislation that is supported by 60% of the population? There are more convenient ways to commit political suicide, don't you think?

[barrym]

IMO, the choice on the so-called socialist side is hobsonish, the second tour of the primary will be between Holland and Martine Aubrey, neither of who could be considered a real socialist but Blair clones, middle of the roaders.

The primary vote was/is an interesting concept, set up by the socialist party and anyone could vote once they registered, over 2 million did. The outcome was also interesting, the former presidential candidate Segolen Royale was trounced and the number three with 17% of the votes was a left wing secessionist from the EU candidate with tendencies to protectionism. The justification for his relative popularity is attributed variously to anti-immigrants (supporters of the national front), frustrated socialists, anti-bankers, etc.

The real issues next Sunday will be a) how many bother to vote again b) what effect the distribution of the 17% will have.

Hollande is the likely winner, as the Guardian piece said he is "presidentiable" an appalling basis on which to select the president of a major country, with real powers (incidently the number 3 above was for the creation of the 6th republic, with more power to the parliament). Hollande is a waffler, like Blair, Cameron, Inda, etc., etc.

Only certainty, if there ever is one in an election, is Sarko will not be re-elected. He is scraping the barrel, the missus is due to give birth this week, that is seen as an election gimmick.

[TotalMayhem]

IMO, the choice on the so-called socialist side is hobsonish, the second tour of the primary will be between Holland and Martine Aubrey, neither of who could be considered a real socialist but Blair clones, middle of the roaders.

Indeed, all contenders, Aubry, Holland and his ex, are alumni of ENA, which doesn't produce left or right wingers but puppets on a string for the establishment.

[Captain Con O'Sullivan]

Ecole Normale...(?)

[TotalMayhem]

Ecole Normale...(?)

The École nationale d'administration was created in 1945 by Charles de Gaulle to democratise access to the senior civil service. It is now entrusted with the selection and initial training of senior French officials.

The main reason for entering ENA is that it has a legal quasi-monopoly over access to some of the most prestigious positions in the French civil service.

[fluffybiscuits]

Indeed, all contenders, Aubry, Holland and his ex, are alumni of ENA, which doesn't produce left or right wingers but puppets on a string for the establishment.

Just as a matter of interest do you reckon they choose their political alliegances after or before they go to the ENA?

[TotalMayhem]

Just as a matter of interest do you reckon they choose their political alliegances after or before they go to the ENA?

Who said they are to choose at all? The last thing they'll teach at ENA is independent thinking. Could be the profs deciding who has to join which party, or maybe the parties have a draft system similar to American sports leagues?

[fluffybiscuits]

Who said they are to choose at all? The last thing they'll teach at ENA is independent thinking. Could be the profs deciding who has to join which party, or maybe the parties have a draft system similar to American sports leagues?

Political dynasties comes to mind !