May 13th was the official start of the elections for the European parliament. France has 79 seats available and 34 lists are to contest the vote. Each main party has presented a list of 79 candidates, divided equally between men and women. The major political parties have all chosen a "tete de liste" who is not the party leader, but who due to the electoral system is likely to win a seat.
But what about the people who are number 79 on the list? These candidates would only get a seat if that list received 100% of the vote - something we might have seen under Stalin, but not here today.
Many will see any place on a list as a first step up the party hierarchy so welcome their inclusion, but recognise that only a miracle (or disaster) will see them elected this time.
Currently polls show the RN (former FN) (24%) marginally ahead of LREM (Macron's party) (21%) with various smaller parties sharing the vote - including the once powerful Parti Socialiste (6%) and Les Republicans (Sarkozy's party) (14%). La France Insoumise (LFI) led by J-L Melenchon is credited with 9%, the leading left wing party and the green party 7%. There are several so-called gilet jaune lists though none appear to have in excess of 1% support.
The election here in France will be on Sunday 26th May.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 May 2019
Wednesday, 20 February 2019
Thousands manifest against bigotry in Toulouse
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| Assembled against antisemitism: pic Fabrice Valery, France 3 |
Wherever the cause of this lies, and many wild theories have been advanced from the Gilets Jaunes to deliberate government misinformation, it is a symptom of the ever more toxic politics being driven by the "populist" right and ultra left wing groups.
The manifestants in Toulouse and many other cities show that right-minded citizens will not tolerate these abusive scapegoating actions, whether against Jews, gays or migrants.
Tuesday, 15 January 2019
The great debate starts today
"Grand débat national", proposed by the government partly as an answer to the gilets jaunes' demands for the voice of the people to be heard is launched today.
Partly because Macron, Hamon and Melenchon all proposed the system in their manifestoes for the presidential elections. The debate being launched today (Tuesday 15th January) with over 1200 "kits" sent out to suggest how it is to be organised at the local level (community of communes at the lowest level).
The government has provided details in the kit of population, employment, housing and information on the main areas of debate. The government has asked for debates on taxation and public expenditure, organisation of the state and public service, ecology and finally democracy. It is likely that the participants will be drawn by lot from all on the electoral roll and not on a proportional basis.
Many "gilet jaune" Facebook pages have already dismissed the idea as being government controlled and widespread "cahiers de doléances"(lists of grievances) have been organised by various organisations. The main points inscribed in these books have been for the reintroduction of the wealth tax, more justice for protesters, abolition of "mariage pout tous" and other social changes for the less well off.
And the UK parliament will apparently discuss a deal which almost everyone is opposed to.
Partly because Macron, Hamon and Melenchon all proposed the system in their manifestoes for the presidential elections. The debate being launched today (Tuesday 15th January) with over 1200 "kits" sent out to suggest how it is to be organised at the local level (community of communes at the lowest level).
The government has provided details in the kit of population, employment, housing and information on the main areas of debate. The government has asked for debates on taxation and public expenditure, organisation of the state and public service, ecology and finally democracy. It is likely that the participants will be drawn by lot from all on the electoral roll and not on a proportional basis.
Many "gilet jaune" Facebook pages have already dismissed the idea as being government controlled and widespread "cahiers de doléances"(lists of grievances) have been organised by various organisations. The main points inscribed in these books have been for the reintroduction of the wealth tax, more justice for protesters, abolition of "mariage pout tous" and other social changes for the less well off.
And the UK parliament will apparently discuss a deal which almost everyone is opposed to.
Thursday, 22 March 2018
Day of action
Today, Thursday 22nd March is the latest "day of action" by public service workers throughout France in protest against President Macron's proposed sweeping changes to their status. Schools, trains, flights, government offices will all be affected. Last year we had similar protests against Hollande's labour changes, but either the public wants the changes (hence Macron's victory) or many were fooled into thinking that he would go the way of his predecessors and back down.
The planned rail strikes (three days on, two days off) starting next month are a separate action and could last for several months.
There is a lot of media talk about "May 1968" as the 50th anniversary of the student unrest of that time, leading to many far reaching changes, approaches. We have heard that the student protests at Toulouse University have support from some left leaning politicians, but the "soixante huiteurs" had a charismatic leader, Danny le Rouge (Cohn Bendit) and somehow Melenchon does not fit that profile. But throwing a pavé into the mix is a tradition now and we can expect a few more weeks of disruption.
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The planned rail strikes (three days on, two days off) starting next month are a separate action and could last for several months.
There is a lot of media talk about "May 1968" as the 50th anniversary of the student unrest of that time, leading to many far reaching changes, approaches. We have heard that the student protests at Toulouse University have support from some left leaning politicians, but the "soixante huiteurs" had a charismatic leader, Danny le Rouge (Cohn Bendit) and somehow Melenchon does not fit that profile. But throwing a pavé into the mix is a tradition now and we can expect a few more weeks of disruption.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Friday, 12 January 2018
Martin Malvy to retire
An active member of the Parti Socialist, Malvy was a towering figure for over 35 years in the south west. It is not known why he has made his decision at this time.
Wednesday, 20 December 2017
Parti Socialiste sells its HQ
Rue de Solferino in Paris's smart 7th arrondissement has been synonymous in recent years with the headquarters of the Parti Socialist. Party management, policy meetings, selection of candidates, running election campaigns have all been orchestrated from the 3000 m2 office block.
And with some success: two presidents, several prime ministers, nationwide local governments. Until the disastrous 5 years under Francois Hollande. Failure to live up to promises, the president's own behaviour and a failure to grasp grass root concerns exploited by both far right and hard left, leading to internal divisions have effectively destroyed the party in this year's elections.
The building has been sold to a property developer known to build commercial centres in various European countries for around 45.5 million euros. What debts and mortgage payments the party will need to pay off may well erode that sum from the coffers.
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And with some success: two presidents, several prime ministers, nationwide local governments. Until the disastrous 5 years under Francois Hollande. Failure to live up to promises, the president's own behaviour and a failure to grasp grass root concerns exploited by both far right and hard left, leading to internal divisions have effectively destroyed the party in this year's elections.
The building has been sold to a property developer known to build commercial centres in various European countries for around 45.5 million euros. What debts and mortgage payments the party will need to pay off may well erode that sum from the coffers.
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Tuesday, 12 December 2017
Les Republicains elect new leader
The centre right party formerly headed by Nicholas Sarkozy has elected Laurent Wauquiez as its new leader. The 42 year old Lyonnais won the majority of votes cast in a three way contest against more centrist candidates, signalling a significant shift to the right. The party's Presidential candidate Francois Fillon was mired with a financial scandal and many members defected to Macron's En Marche! party.
Although Les Republicains polled better than the socialist party, its shift to the right to challenge the Front National on many of its policies leaves Macron firmly in charge of the centre right and his standing in the polls improving steadily suggests hard times ahead for M Wauquiez.
Senior Republicain figures such as Xavier Bertrand, Valerie Pecresse and Alain Juppe are thought to be unhappy at the development and may quit the party.
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Although Les Republicains polled better than the socialist party, its shift to the right to challenge the Front National on many of its policies leaves Macron firmly in charge of the centre right and his standing in the polls improving steadily suggests hard times ahead for M Wauquiez.
Senior Republicain figures such as Xavier Bertrand, Valerie Pecresse and Alain Juppe are thought to be unhappy at the development and may quit the party.
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Monday, 16 October 2017
Macron "not convincing"
President Macron was interviewed live on TV last night by journalists for the first time since his election. It seemed strange that a major line of questioning (and the reports) was about his use of language when referring to workers and managers who do nothing to improve the position other than demonstrate. "Faineants" (shirkers), ""foutre le bordel" (create chaos) are words he says are in common parlance and not insulting. We are used to politicians just mincing their words rather than engaging in proper debate.
Apart from defending his use of language he was also accused of "favouring the rich". By cutting wealth tax he does not believe in "trickle down", but in encouraging enterprise. "Taxing the rich will not make us all better off" as he claims the popular politicians are arguing. But taxing pensioners more by increasing social charges will, he claims, only affect wealthy pensioners, 80% of pensioners will benefit from abolishing taxe d'habitation.
He refuses to make any hostages to fortune as did Hollande by claiming he would reverse the upward trend of unemployment. It will take up to two years before any real gains are seen, but many other programmes other than the new labour laws will be introduced.
His only comment on the migrant situation was to ensure that illegal immigrants who committed crimes would be thrown out. He considers that France has become used to the idea that it is difficult to send people back to other countries, so nothing is done. "This will change".
Some 61% of people questioned afterwards were not convinced by the president's interview.
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Apart from defending his use of language he was also accused of "favouring the rich". By cutting wealth tax he does not believe in "trickle down", but in encouraging enterprise. "Taxing the rich will not make us all better off" as he claims the popular politicians are arguing. But taxing pensioners more by increasing social charges will, he claims, only affect wealthy pensioners, 80% of pensioners will benefit from abolishing taxe d'habitation.
He refuses to make any hostages to fortune as did Hollande by claiming he would reverse the upward trend of unemployment. It will take up to two years before any real gains are seen, but many other programmes other than the new labour laws will be introduced.
His only comment on the migrant situation was to ensure that illegal immigrants who committed crimes would be thrown out. He considers that France has become used to the idea that it is difficult to send people back to other countries, so nothing is done. "This will change".
Some 61% of people questioned afterwards were not convinced by the president's interview.
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Friday, 22 September 2017
T&G Senator prosecuted
Yves Collin is a Senator for Tarn and Garonne accused of using his position to get someone a job in exchange for 40000 euros, ostensibly to finance an election campaign. It is claimed that he did not honour the deal and even pocketed the money.
In a plot worthy of a Jeffrey Archer novel it is claimed that his rival, Jean-Michel Baylet (whom Collin beat in the 2014 Senatorial elections), used connections in the Montauban masonic lodge of which Collin and the supposed "corruptor" were both members to denounce the affair to the authorities.
The case is being heard in Lyon to avoid local bias and the prosecutor has demanded a sentence of 4 years in prison, with two suspended, and 30000 euro fine. The court has reserved judgement until 3rd November.
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| Yves Collin: photo Remi Gabalda/AFP |
In a plot worthy of a Jeffrey Archer novel it is claimed that his rival, Jean-Michel Baylet (whom Collin beat in the 2014 Senatorial elections), used connections in the Montauban masonic lodge of which Collin and the supposed "corruptor" were both members to denounce the affair to the authorities.
The case is being heard in Lyon to avoid local bias and the prosecutor has demanded a sentence of 4 years in prison, with two suspended, and 30000 euro fine. The court has reserved judgement until 3rd November.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Thursday, 21 September 2017
Split at top of Front National
Florian Phillipot, the vice president of the Front National, has resigned from the party. A couple of days after being relieved of his responsibilities for policy, he claims being "vice-president of nothing" leaves him open to ridicule, for which he has no taste.
After the debacle of the presidential election and humiliation of Marine le Pen, many supporters claimed the policy of "de-diabolisation" was going too far and his pro-EU stance was wrong. He formed his own think-tank to consider ideas and policies nearer to traditional Gaullism for the far right party in its aim to rid itself of its poisonous image.
The party, however, still has its core of hard nationalist and fascist leaning supporters, and Phillipot was recently pilloried on Twitter for choosing to eat couscous instead of choucroute when he was in Alsace. This kind of petty nationalism shows how far the party has to go to rid itself of its septic base.
And heaven forbid that there be any homophobic element of opposition to the party's gay ex vice-president.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
After the debacle of the presidential election and humiliation of Marine le Pen, many supporters claimed the policy of "de-diabolisation" was going too far and his pro-EU stance was wrong. He formed his own think-tank to consider ideas and policies nearer to traditional Gaullism for the far right party in its aim to rid itself of its poisonous image.
The party, however, still has its core of hard nationalist and fascist leaning supporters, and Phillipot was recently pilloried on Twitter for choosing to eat couscous instead of choucroute when he was in Alsace. This kind of petty nationalism shows how far the party has to go to rid itself of its septic base.
And heaven forbid that there be any homophobic element of opposition to the party's gay ex vice-president.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Saturday, 16 September 2017
New president for Tarn
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| Christophe Ramond |
He is succeeded by 43 year old Christophe Ramond, socialist vice president in charge of budget matters who was elected by 28 votes to 18.
Carcenet has been a controversial figure in recent years mainly due to his support for the Sivens dam.
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Tuesday, 12 September 2017
It wasn't fair!
Trying to get to Toulouse for a 9am appointment Malc was met with a huge traffic hold-up on the Toulouse rocade. An information panel on the A68 had said "Rocade 17 mins; Toulouse Nord 40 mins" - so 23 minutes from the A68 junction to the Nord peage did seem a long time, presaging the bouchon. It turns out that fairground operators had taken their huge lorries to the city and were driving slowly around the rocade.
This was part of a day of protests against the introduction of the new labour laws being brought in by the government and are a continuation of the same protests against the "El Khomri" law proposed by the previous government.
M Macron may be judged by his willingness to withstand these protests, unlike previous incumbents of the Elysee, both left and right (he claims his use of "faineants" - people who do nothing - referred to them and not lay-abouts in general).
To be fair, France Musique on the car radio was better for being just that; no chatter from the presenters. who may have been on strike or not.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
This was part of a day of protests against the introduction of the new labour laws being brought in by the government and are a continuation of the same protests against the "El Khomri" law proposed by the previous government.
M Macron may be judged by his willingness to withstand these protests, unlike previous incumbents of the Elysee, both left and right (he claims his use of "faineants" - people who do nothing - referred to them and not lay-abouts in general).
To be fair, France Musique on the car radio was better for being just that; no chatter from the presenters. who may have been on strike or not.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Thursday, 20 July 2017
Army chief quits
The head of France's armed forces (chef d'etat majeur), Pierre de Villiers, has resigned over proposed cuts to the defence budget over the next 5 years. President Macron responded to the general's publicly expressed views by saying it was not the general's place to air his grievances in public.
With the government seeking cuts in all public spending the armed forces must bear their share, but France's military is heavily engaged overseas as well as dealing with the state of emergency here. Macron thinks it is the job of the Minister of Defence to make the case for the budget, in consultation with the generals and the treasury. A new chef has been appointed, 55 year old General Francois Lecointre, a veteran of many of French overseas missions, notably in Kosovo.
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With the government seeking cuts in all public spending the armed forces must bear their share, but France's military is heavily engaged overseas as well as dealing with the state of emergency here. Macron thinks it is the job of the Minister of Defence to make the case for the budget, in consultation with the generals and the treasury. A new chef has been appointed, 55 year old General Francois Lecointre, a veteran of many of French overseas missions, notably in Kosovo.
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| General Lecointre in Mali 2013 |
Wednesday, 19 July 2017
France top nation for "soft power"
The University of South California has published its annual league table of countries whose influence in the world is due not to economic or military power, but to cultural and diplomatic influence - called "soft power". France has moved up two places to top the league, Britain retaining its second place but America dropping to third.
Researchers suggest that the "Macron effect" with a more inclusive policy was more influential than Trump's "America First" mantra. Germany and Canada complete the top five, with European nations generally progressing up the scale.
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Researchers suggest that the "Macron effect" with a more inclusive policy was more influential than Trump's "America First" mantra. Germany and Canada complete the top five, with European nations generally progressing up the scale.
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Monday, 17 July 2017
Nous sommes le lundi dix sept juillet
What an amazing emblem, patriotes of France. I found this insignia in my photos but cannot remember where it has come from and who the "patriotes" are. Any ideas anyone?
As long as it is not something taken over by the National Front.( like the flag of England, the flag of St. George that the racist wing seems to have co opted as their own)
Happy research readers
taglines82@gmail.com
Malc says: "patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel" - Dr Johnson I think, and true to form this organisation is a Front National attempt to persuade the gullible (plus other less scrupulous politicians and thinkers) that far right policies are somehow "patriotic". Launched a few years ago by Florian Phllipot, vice president (though perhaps for not much longer?) of the FN, the "network" is quite clearly an attempt to promote an on-line presence for ultra right wing views.
Malc says: "patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel" - Dr Johnson I think, and true to form this organisation is a Front National attempt to persuade the gullible (plus other less scrupulous politicians and thinkers) that far right policies are somehow "patriotic". Launched a few years ago by Florian Phllipot, vice president (though perhaps for not much longer?) of the FN, the "network" is quite clearly an attempt to promote an on-line presence for ultra right wing views.
Monday, 3 July 2017
Taglines reader celebrates 4th of July
Democrats Abroad is a group of our American friends who support the Democratic party and their chairperson, Meredith Wheeler, is a long-time supporter of Taglines too. Yesterday the group held their 4th July party a couple of days early in the Tarn village of Lautrec, with a noticeably anti-Trump theme. The dessert was "peche-menthe" (Im-peachment -get it?). Now Taglines, as readers know, is apolitical (except anti-Brexit, pro-refugee, anti-fascist etc), but it is nice to know that there are Americans of taste and good sense in our midst.
See the TV report in this link (in French) http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/occitanie/tarn/americains-fetent-independence-day-lautrec-tarn-1290657.html
See the TV report in this link (in French) http://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/occitanie/tarn/americains-fetent-independence-day-lautrec-tarn-1290657.html
Monday, 19 June 2017
Not such a big win as predicted
Odd these election results. Macron's party En Marche! has a convincing overall majority, with 350 of the 577 seats, but of the other parties only the Front National and La France Insoumise, the two extreme wings, increased their representation, to 8 and 27 respectively. The socialist party and their allies went down to 44 (having been the majority in the last government) and Les Republicains now have 137. But given the dire warnings of Macron winning over 450 seats commentators are now saying the victory is not as big as expected, so some amount of re-balancing has taken place. Inevitably there are calls for a change to the electoral system by Le Pen and Melenchon to introduce some kind of proportionality. But the rate of abstention at over 50% is the main concern.
As noted elsewhere, Tarn and Garonne resisted the Macron onslaught by re-electing both its retiring members, one Socialist and one Parti Radical Gauche, whose Sylvia Pinel was a minister in the last government.
Other notable points are that there are over 220 women representatives, a record compared to 155 last time and only 178 members were re-elected. This will definitely be a new look assembly.
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As noted elsewhere, Tarn and Garonne resisted the Macron onslaught by re-electing both its retiring members, one Socialist and one Parti Radical Gauche, whose Sylvia Pinel was a minister in the last government.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Tuesday, 13 June 2017
A bad loser or what?
Henri Guaino was a high profile advisor to Nicholas Sarkozy during 2009-2012 and an assembly member for Yvelines, before losing the seat in 2012 and quitting the party. In last Sunday's election he stood as a "divers droite" candidate in a middle class seat in Paris. But coming seventh with only 4.51% of the votes, M Guaino launched into a series of media attacks on the voters.
He called them a mixture of "Bobos egoists" and "bourgeoisie traditionelle, cathos un peu Petainiste". These views did not go down too well and his decision to withdraw from political life was welcomed. The two candidates who qualified for the second round are En Marche's Gilles Le Gendre and Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, a major figure in the LR party.
Despite his seventh place M Guaino should console himself with the fact that of the 24 candidates for the seat 17 got even fewer votes than him (including the FN).
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He called them a mixture of "Bobos egoists" and "bourgeoisie traditionelle, cathos un peu Petainiste". These views did not go down too well and his decision to withdraw from political life was welcomed. The two candidates who qualified for the second round are En Marche's Gilles Le Gendre and Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, a major figure in the LR party.
Despite his seventh place M Guaino should console himself with the fact that of the 24 candidates for the seat 17 got even fewer votes than him (including the FN).
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Monday, 12 June 2017
Nous sommes le lundi douze juin
A surprising election result? Not the UK, but the crushing victory for Emmanuel Macron's La Republique En Marche! party in the first round of the French Assembly election yesterday (Sunday 11th June). The results suggest that LREM will win between 415 and 455 seats, in an assembly of 577 seats. The rightist party Les Republicains is likely to be the main opposition party, with between 70 and 100 seats. The Parti Socialiste been pretty well wiped out, losing over 200 seats and Melenchon's La France Insoumise will be the main left party, though with less than 25 seats (including communists).
The Front National may win up to 5 seats (2 in 2012), indeed it is very possible that Marine Le Pen herself will be the only representative of her party.
Very striking fact is that only about 49% of voters turned out. Some blamed the weather - beach and barbecues preferred- some the apathy in view of the pre-election polls predicting a big win for Macron.
The second round next week may see the abstainers come out - but they have missed their chance by and large for the small parties, because LREM mainly is up against LR and the PS LFI and FN candidates who have made it to the second round have little chance in face of Macron's candidate.
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The Front National may win up to 5 seats (2 in 2012), indeed it is very possible that Marine Le Pen herself will be the only representative of her party.
Very striking fact is that only about 49% of voters turned out. Some blamed the weather - beach and barbecues preferred- some the apathy in view of the pre-election polls predicting a big win for Macron.
The second round next week may see the abstainers come out - but they have missed their chance by and large for the small parties, because LREM mainly is up against LR and the PS LFI and FN candidates who have made it to the second round have little chance in face of Macron's candidate.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Friday, 26 May 2017
Macron's first G7
Newly elected French president Emmanuel Macron is attending his first G7 summit in Sicily. After scoring a victory over Donald Trump by winning the traditional bras de fer with the American's handshake (according to both French and US media), the French president moved onto less weighty matters. The world's seven richest countries made apparently little headway on such things as climate or commerce - but all were united on condemning terrorism. Mrs May and M Macron both have elections to fight, but the G7 summit has yielded little political mileage.
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| Never mind the world - we're OK. Caricature by Michael Kappeler/DPA/AFP |
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