Ka Ora!

Keep it clean and when the bell sounds come out your corner

Im interested in other folks views on the ongoing events and the impact on our host nation.

Tweedpipe

I'm somewhat surprised that this topic has not already met with a number of replies. I'm sure it's not due to a total lack of interest in the Presidential election by Brit expats.
Allow me to kick-off by saying that there is one candidate that you or I could easily beat, probably before getting out of bed each morning.
To explain further, this particular candidate - who admits he is no politician - was recently on a talk-show where a number of clips were shown of his recent radio/tv and internet interview & speeches.
When asked similar significant questions by interviewers, his answers (and especially figures to substantiate his arguments) varied enormously - showing that there was no profound knowledge whatsoever of the subjects in question. Even the parties founding main spokesman was asked his opinion on what would happen if the current party candidate was in fact elected as president. His candid reply was, "He'd be in the s**t!
This reply was shared with the candidate himself who incredibly replied, "He's right, we haven't planned for that!"
I love France, but fools like this who waste their own time, other peoples time, and God knows whose money, should be working in a circus.
I know full well there have been similar ridiculous candidates in the past, Colouche in France, and Cicciolina in Italy who come immediately to mind, and it's not likely to stop. But what a waste of time and effort - and especially money!

Tweedpipe

It's no real surprise to learn from the opinion polls that the incumbent president now leads the first lap ahead of his Socialist rival, although the latter retains the victory in the second round.
Except among French expats, who - if the elections were taking place now - would place Sarkozy clearly ahead (37%) of Holland (27%) in the first round.
In the second round, Sarkozy would get 51% of the vote against 49% to Holland.
For those who want to put any faith in them, HERE are some other poll stats.

Novocastrian

... George Galloway in Bradford West?

Ka Ora!

Yes but it's not like he would make it to Prime Minister without a miracle.

jonkemp

I think it will be Sarkozy. In the second round I assume he will carry some of the voters of Le Pen and Bayrou while Hollande will only gain voters from Melenchon. But then what do I know?

That said, I do think the French system is much better than ours over here.

Tweedpipe

Hmm, I tend to agree too.

cyrian

In what way?

Tweedpipe

Well I think the French system is scandalous since the recent introduction of the 1€ so-called privilege tax that each must now pay just to have the right to cast their vote.

jonkemp

1 Euro is a small price to pay for democracy. What annoys me is the number of people over here who don't vote and then spend their time complaining about the Government.

brioche

I've not heard of that. Could you provide a link, please?

Tweedpipe

Notwithstanding my carefully baited lines, there weren't many takers.
It's a wind-up of course, given today's date of 1st April!

Had it been true, there would have been an almighty outcry from the French, mass marches etc - and who could blame them.
I assume the wonderful spring weather has kept most folks away from their computers, on the beach, picnicking, in their gardens or whatever, and rightly so.

jonkemp

You little rascal

Tweedpipe

On a TF1 news report yesterday at 13:00, it was stated that from an estimated 300,000 French expats living in England (the majority in London) about a third are not taking an active interest in the upcoming presidential election, are not on the electoral role, and do not plan to vote. That figure surprised me!
Fwiw, our son is overseas (not in UK) and will absolutely ensure he casts his vote in a couple of weeks time. And rightly so.

According to official statistics, world-wide there are some 1.5 million French expats, although the true figure is likely to be closer to around 2 million, as registration with French consulates is not mandatory.
If we believe the tabloids (who does?) it is estimated that a large majority of French expats planning to vote will favour Sarkozy.
HERE's an interesting article which doesn't fully align with info recently broadcast in France.

And another interesting one in French.

cjm

Just caught up, though did see KO's original post and thought I'd wait. Loved the €1 wind-up and have to say I fell for it !! DOH!!
My problem is my lack of French language, so difficult to enter into the stream of things as others here are able to do. However, English speaking French friends seem resigned to the fact that the man with the lifts will get back in. Toulouse is seen as his Falklands moment.
I am currently in UK and using the town library til I get some broadband in our house here, so regular forays are restricted. I haven't been back for any time since last Christmas 2010, so I am finding things a tad tough. I can't help (that's a Royal 'I') but make some level of comparison with the UK and while life in France can frustrate, I feel on edge and on my guard when here. So, if politics, politicians and government create the social environment, or at least put down the benchmarks, then perhaps Mr S needs a fresh mandate as extremism has never been for me. My own politics are ex-Socialist and currently LD and I'm not unhappy with the current coalition, though the secrecy court proposals are raising my incredulity levels.
Apologies for going off piste a little.