09 May 07
1 edit
Originally posted by Bosse de NageWell, you have one arrondissement like the 16th with 80% for S(h)arko and one like the 20th (the biggest in terms of number of voters) with around 65% for Royal. Those are huge differences for a relatively close national result.
Say a bit more...?
The results also seem to be highly geographically divided, with the western and central arrondissements voting Sarkozy and the eastern ones voting Royal.
Edit - If you wanted an explanation I have none. All I can say is that it's...interesting. 🙂
09 May 07
Originally posted by PalynkaSo, what could that mean?
Well, you have one arrondissement like the 16th with 80% for S(h)arko and one like the 20th (the biggest in terms of number of voters) with around 65% for Royal. Those are huge differences for a relatively close national result.
The results also seem to be highly geographically divided, with the western and central arrondissements voting Sarkozy and the eastern ones voting Royal.
09 May 07
1 edit
Originally posted by Bosse de NageYou're too fast. See my edit...
So, what could that mean?
Edit - It could be related to the fact that in every bar, restaurant, cafe, etc. all one could hear was about the elections. I think that these type of discussions can (possibly) have a lot of influence in France considering that the French are very politically conscious.
During the night of the debate there were numerous bars, completelly packed, showing the debate on big screens. Many people preferred to go to a public place to discuss it with others instead of just sitting at home and watching it alone. I never seen anything like it in other countries...
09 May 07
1 edit
Originally posted by Bosse de NagePopulist, nationalistic, incoherent and authoritarian. Not my cup of tea, but only time will tell.
For my amusement, if nothing else--what's your opinion of Sarkozy? Surely France needs a strong leader in these troubled times...?
The majority of famous French economists were on the Royal camp. (Piketty (EHESS director and the creator of PSE), Cohen (ENS, PSE), Aghion (Harvard, PSE and one of the world's foremost experts on growth) and around 20 others even signed an official pro-Royal statement. That so many decided to take an official stance was also a novelty in French politics.
The notorious exception was Blanchard (MIT) who decided to put out a text (originally in a blog, I believe) were he claimed he would vote Sarkozy even if he admits he's has been a supporter of the socialist party.
My point is that some reputed international media on economic affairs (most notably the economist and financial times) have been hailing Sarkozy almost as the French messiah that is going to relift France's economy. I'm not alone in doubting this seriously, but still I hope I'm wrong for France's sake.
We'll see...
09 May 07
2 edits
Originally posted by PalynkaI read somewhere that it boils down to which party's unemployment figures were correct.
My point is that some reputed international media on economic affairs (most notably the economist and financial times) have been hailing Sarkozy almost as the French messiah that is going to relift France's economy. I'm not alone in doubting this seriously, but still I hope I'm wrong for France's sake.
Where's the incoherence?
Is there a danger of him falling in love with himself?
09 May 07
Originally posted by Bosse de NageFrom what I can see of the geographical boundaries, Paris has voted him in. From what wiki says of Paris, the worlds 16th largest economy, suggests that the engine room of French industry at least maybe would like to entertain a slightly less egalitarian experience and embrace a more post modern consumerist outlook. Thats just my impression. Most of the West has gone this way. Interestingly the NYTimes has Sarkozy balanced between a French not reflexively against American policy and yet not yet ready to walk in step with US diplomacy. It seems the Germans are worried too and the test case might well be Sarkies handling of a slightly damaged Airbus. Whether he will make it more of a prop for French nationalism or whether he can navigate the extremely complex arrangement of cross investment between EADS and Daimler Chrysler with the components of French and German centric perspectives that help constrain any dynamic action to provide a clear path for recovery is yet to be seen.
Very good, my little schnitzel.
It seems Mr Sarkozy has to walk an impossible path between the left and right and between themselves and the rest of Europe especially Germany and the extent to which his policies will give the perception that the French are willing to follow with the US led consensus in terms of its middle east road map means that in some ways, the expectations of Sarkozy being a man for all seasons might also put him in the invidious position of not being able to even please any one particular sector of his closely won mandate and as such the French could be in for a lot tedious game of 'what if', 'if only' and 'what could have been'.
09 May 07
2 edits
Originally posted by kmax87Paris voted 50,16% for Sarkozy so it wouldn't be bad to be careful with interpretations based on a colour on a map.
From what I can see of the geographical boundaries, Paris has voted him in. From what wiki says of Paris, the worlds 16th largest economy, suggests that the engine room of French industry at least maybe would like to entertain a slightly less egalitarian experience and embrace a more post modern consumerist outlook. Thats just my impression. Most of the West ...[text shortened]... nch could be in for a lot tedious game of 'what if', 'if only' and 'what could have been'.
Sarkozy is not walking any step between the right and the left. He placed himself quite clearly on a conservative non-libertarian right. He's quite socially conservative (ministry of immigration and national identity, forceful learning of French for immigrants, interdiction of poligamy, restricted rights for homosexual couples, etc.) and pretty much conservative economically, as well (defense of national champions, prevention of out-sourcing, etc.).
France isn't nudging towards a libertarian market-oriented right but to an authoritarian one(with a strong and forceful government).
BdN: A comparison with Blair couldn't be more wrong. Segolene Royal was the only one pushing in that direction, but Mitterrand's legacy is still heavy. Even though the push was slight, a significant proportion of the established left accused her of being too pro-market.
Edit: I believe it's mostly populism and that his acts will be much less extreme than his words and proposals. I hope so at least.
09 May 07
Originally posted by Bosse de NageIts good to see that I'm not the only one influenced by the cult of personality! I watched his victory broadcast (all in French of which I understood absolutely zero) but just looking at the cut of his jib and his general demeanor so to speak, he comes across as being more a man of the people. He does not have the imperious air you would normally associate with a high ranking French politician.
I based my opinion on his smile...also the idea that he might prove more adaptable than expected.
He just strikes me as someone who would sweat pragmatism under pressure. More a professional than one to the manor born.