Tweedpipe

Did you vote today in the municiple elections? (Assuming you have the Carte Electorale of course). I did my bit.....
Early reports appear to suggest that the turnout was far less than expected, which could lead to some interesting results.
I'm especially interested in hearing the results from Paris, Toulouse and Marseille. Nail-biting stuff, particularly in these social and politically difficult times....

dmu

Hi, just found your thread while travelling around.
I voted last Sunday (with OH of course), just before leaving. Our Commune only had one "liste" and we knew that we wouldn't be voting again tomorrow and organised our trip accordingly.
Nail-biting isn't the word, esp. for Paris, Marseille and others, but I believe Flanby is in for further shocks tomorrow evening everywhere in France...

Tweedpipe

Last Sunday's results were incredible, but not unexpected. I wager that Flanby and associated supporters will be knocked for six following tomorrow evening's second-round results. Should be very interesting to see what the future holds.......

Tweedpipe

Major shake-ups during the weekend voting - just as predicted.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26807739

https://fr.news.yahoo.com/municipale...3981.html?vp=1

dmu

To continue on the subject of voting, how many of us are getting ready to vote for the European Elections on the 25th (French Mothers' Day)?

Tweedpipe

"I'm free!"

dmu

Are TP and I the only ones voting today for French Euro-Députés?

Tweedpipe

I've just returned from our local polling station.
As in previous elections, I've noted that there is a separate electoral role for 'étrangers' which one has to sign against his/her own name, prior to casting one's vote.
I've never taken much notice, but today after a fleeting 3 sec glance, I realised there are a total of 5 'étrangers' in our village (believe I'm the only Brit) - and I was the only one who had signed-in to vote. This was about 15mins before the polling station closed.
Even if one is anti-Europe - and many are - its rather difficult to understand why folks are disinterested in voting either for or against. We know that there is always at least one 'potty' party candidate, and even if none of the party candidates takes your preference, I note that a 'white vote' will in fact be recognised this time, and registered as a valid cast vote for Citoyens du Vote Blanc. So there ain't much excuse for not doing your bit.
It will be interesting to see the general outcome, the results and debate of which I'll be watching closely with Pujadas & Co on TF1 later this evening.

dmu

French voters have to sign, too, but after having cast their vote, at least in our Commune.
This time the Conseillers were demanding Cartes d'Identité as well as the Cartes Electorales upon arrival, and quite a few voters had to go home and fetch one or the other. Gone are the days when they recognise you and let you through!
Are you by chance in the Grand Sud Ouest? I saw that list, too. It would be rather funny if the Vote Blanc party had a good proportion of votes and got a Député in!
P.S. Watch out, Pujadas is on France 2!!

Tweedpipe

"P.S. Watch out, Pujadas is on France 2!!"

That was just to keep you on your toes......

Well, what can one say about the results of the polls in France? In one word - "Bombshell"
Who would have believed it a year, or even a month ago? It's a result I half expected, but hoped would never happen. It certainly shows absolute exasperation for the current government. Someone has already claimed it to be a tragedy for democracy, a disaster for French patrimony, and a huge political shock for Europe.
Watch this space......

Tweedpipe

Following the incredible results and triumph of the far-right National Front (FN) party in France, cries of "France NO!" (FN) have been heard from Brussels and elsewhere in Europe.
And the Prime Minister made a statement an hour or so ago (looking exceedingly weary) announcing on behalf of his 'gaffer' "there will be no changes, but there will be an acceleration....."
As Del-Boy would no doubt have eloquently exclaimed, "Pot pourri!"
If I'd been planning on coming to France to live, and packed in readiness, I'd probably U-turn rapidly and start unpacking.

Blackladder

Funnily enough, we voted yesterday and were not asked for any form of ID, and signed after casting our vote, just like the other locals (small commune, abt 250 voters), I did get a bit distracted though, because a Short-toed eagle was circling over the fields right outside the windows of the Mairie. Personally, I Think most of the FN vote (let's stop Calling them 'far right', most of their votes come from disaffected communists and socialists) is a protest vote rather than a genuine expression of xenophobia - I certainly sensed much more anti-foreigner feeling in Sweden than here in France.
Just like Biggsie, living in the Charente, still smiling!
Blackie