Originally Posted by dmu

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?

Originally Posted by EuroTrash

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.

Originally Posted by Tweedpipe

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!

Originally Posted by dmu

Do you mean the Burt Lancaster look-alike?
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....

Originally Posted by Tweedpipe

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.

Originally Posted by dmu

Deliberate typo?
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....

Originally Posted by EuroTrash

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

Originally Posted by dmu

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....