Politics anyone?
#16
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Re: Politics anyone?
As you've all heard, after Valls's resignation, Bernard Cazeneuve has been nominated stop-gap PM until the end of Flamby's 5-year office. A wise choice all round, as he announced some time ago that he wouldn't be putting himself up for re-election as a Député = no jealousy from the present Ministers.... He's well-liked by his colleagues, not flamboyant, and, maybe the most important, was a competent Minister of the Interior after a few other ministerial positions.
Next likely episode in this Saga will be the Primaires in January. I suppose, like the Right-Centre Primaires, that you don't have to be member of the Party to vote?
Next likely episode in this Saga will be the Primaires in January. I suppose, like the Right-Centre Primaires, that you don't have to be member of the Party to vote?
As for Fillon, I feel he'll have a rougher ride than anticipated, especially with his proposed 39hr working week, 37hrs paid! I personally would have no problem with this in order to bring back some measure of competitivity to France. But will the French themselves go along with it? I can already imagine M. LePen smiling.
#17
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Re: Politics anyone?
Courage and dignity, yes those are exactly the right words, DMU. Two things that have been lacking all through his term of office and suddenly, now, he finds them. So ironic.
@Morpeth - from comments that you read online it's pretty clear French pollsters are on average far sharper and better informed than in the UK, don't know about the US. Politicians here have to be credible because everything they say is going to be dissected and questioned and challenged by the media and the voters. Don't forget, the French learn how to debate at school, so it's second nature to them to spot the flaws in an argument. Unlike the UK where it seems people will swallow anything without chewing it. But that doesn't mean voters here don't get it wrong. Look at what happened last time. You may be convinced by the policies but unless you have a crystal ball you don't know whether a person will keep their promises or not. Maybe the problem in France is that they look closely at the real facts and figures and the policies but don't give enough importance to personality and strength of character or lack of it. Whereas in the UK, "image" seems to be all important, voters seem to be won over by spin rather than real facts and figures. Neither way seems to work so what's the answer.
@Morpeth - from comments that you read online it's pretty clear French pollsters are on average far sharper and better informed than in the UK, don't know about the US. Politicians here have to be credible because everything they say is going to be dissected and questioned and challenged by the media and the voters. Don't forget, the French learn how to debate at school, so it's second nature to them to spot the flaws in an argument. Unlike the UK where it seems people will swallow anything without chewing it. But that doesn't mean voters here don't get it wrong. Look at what happened last time. You may be convinced by the policies but unless you have a crystal ball you don't know whether a person will keep their promises or not. Maybe the problem in France is that they look closely at the real facts and figures and the policies but don't give enough importance to personality and strength of character or lack of it. Whereas in the UK, "image" seems to be all important, voters seem to be won over by spin rather than real facts and figures. Neither way seems to work so what's the answer.
#18
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Re: Politics anyone?
Did anyone watch last night's first debate from the left-wing 'Primaire' candidates? All jockying to go through as presidential candidates for 2017.
For me there was one clear winner - and it wasn't Valls. The latter imho was seen lacking in charisma, with some questionable character traits.
And Bourvil's 'twin-brother' was a surprise, which added a sprinkling of unexpected light-hearted spice to the proceedings!
For me there was one clear winner - and it wasn't Valls. The latter imho was seen lacking in charisma, with some questionable character traits.
And Bourvil's 'twin-brother' was a surprise, which added a sprinkling of unexpected light-hearted spice to the proceedings!
Last edited by Tweedpipe; Jan 13th 2017 at 9:57 am.
#19
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Re: Politics anyone?
Did anyone watch last night's first debate from the left-wing 'Primaire' candidates? All jockying to go through as presidential candidates for 2017.
For me there was one clear winner - and it wasn't Valls. The latter imho was seen lacking in charisma, with some questionable character traits.
And Bourvil's 'twin-brother' was a surprise, which added a sprinkling of unexpected light-hearted spice to the proceedings!
For me there was one clear winner - and it wasn't Valls. The latter imho was seen lacking in charisma, with some questionable character traits.
And Bourvil's 'twin-brother' was a surprise, which added a sprinkling of unexpected light-hearted spice to the proceedings!
And yes, thank goodness for "Bourvil" to brighten it all up! We were half-dozing and may have missed some important points. Don't think we'll bother with the next Debate....
#20
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Re: Politics anyone?
I see Flamby's popularity has significantly risen since his memorable decision not to run for re-erection.
#21
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Re: Politics anyone?
I'd never really connected the likeness, but yes that's the one. I'd like to think he'll go a long way, further than Melenchon, and Macron - who no doubt is the surprise dark horse in this race.
I see Flamby's popularity has significantly risen since his memorable decision not to run for re-erection.
I see Flamby's popularity has significantly risen since his memorable decision not to run for re-erection.
I hadn't actually noticed the resemblance between Arnaud & Burt until yesterday evening, maybe because he's normally smiling and yesterday he looked the strong silent type when he wasn't speaking....
#22
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Re: Politics anyone?
Isn't it Macron who is going to give everyone €600 a month and rising, regardless of whether they're working or not working, or earning €millions or €doodle-squat?
To ensure that everyone has a decent standard of living, and if you give it to one person you have to give it to everyone, there's logic for you.
Let's all vote him and the Revenu Universel
To ensure that everyone has a decent standard of living, and if you give it to one person you have to give it to everyone, there's logic for you.
Let's all vote him and the Revenu Universel
#23
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Re: Politics anyone?
I'll let you be the judge on that.......
#24
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Re: Politics anyone?
Isn't it Macron who is going to give everyone €600 a month and rising, regardless of whether they're working or not working, or earning €millions or €doodle-squat?
To ensure that everyone has a decent standard of living, and if you give it to one person you have to give it to everyone, there's logic for you.
Let's all vote him and the Revenu Universel
To ensure that everyone has a decent standard of living, and if you give it to one person you have to give it to everyone, there's logic for you.
Let's all vote him and the Revenu Universel
#27
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Re: Politics anyone?
Well, who would have believed that Hamon would come in first place? and Montebourg doing a Sarko, coming way back in 3rd place. Interesting times ahead....
#28
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Re: Politics anyone?
And did you note that very strained smile on the face of M Valls during his 'coming in 2nd speech'. Definitely not a celebration smile. Now with Montebourg backing Hamon, I can't see how M. Valls can top the results next Sun. Many questions are being raised too on the integrity of the voting, even today the total number of voters is being highly contested.
And did you note 'Bourvil's' score? I maintain that had he worn a tie during the presentations he may have made 2%, possibly3% with a bow-tie.
I've just heard that M.Aubry will be calling for support for Hamon, so again tough days for Valls.
All the specialists seem to agree on several things; the socialist party is in complete disarray; there was one real winner last night - M. Macron; the final left-wing battle will be "violent".
As you say, interesting times ahead....
#29
Re: Politics anyone?
Penny dreadful?
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...p-funds-france
Macron vs LePen looking more probable?
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...p-funds-france
Macron vs LePen looking more probable?
#30
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Re: Politics anyone?
That's the last thing he wanted at this time. As the experts were saying it looks like being a mad, mad spring 2017 election.